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Drawing and Planning Are Hiring New Staff - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Sat, 3 Apr 2010 19:48:15 +0100

April 3, 2010
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Drawing and Planning would like to thank everyone who has called us for with an enquiry or have used our services! If your query is related to a CHANGE OF USAGE then please remember these helpful tips: 1: A Planning Department will attempt to keep a retail street balanced. If you are the owner/leaseholder of an A1 – A5 or Bi or D1 establishment. Then we suggest to count the number of each usage on your high street then work out if there will still remain an even number of usages. 2: Will the change of usage appear out of place or have an impact on any neighboring properties. Remember the planner will be thinking like a local resident and not a local business owner. 3: If you are purchasing a new lease or buying a new freehold and would like to make a change of usage, then request the length of time the property has been empty From your realtor/estate agent and request them to give you a copy of all marketing they have carried out including: Detail sheets, Newspaper adverts, Pictures of building with boards up. A detailed sales/Lettings report will also help, this should include a breakdown of all enquiries and offers on the said property. 4: B2 –B8 is complex area if you are interested in these usages either to become or change out of, we recommend you call to speak to one of our planning consultants prior to making an application. There are many technical areas which will require investigation, Drawing and Planning Charge £1750 for Due Diligence on a potential change of Usage applications. We hope these tips will be helpful, if you would like to speak to one of our planning consultants pick up the phone or request a callback.
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Change Of Use Planning - The Things You Need To Know - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Thu, 1 Apr 2010 19:46:55 +0100

April 1, 2010
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Drawing and Planning would like to thank everyone who has called us for with an enquiry or have used our services! If your query is related to a CHANGE OF USAGE then please remember these helpful tips: 1: A Planning Department will attempt to keep a retail street balanced. If you are the owner/leaseholder of an A1 – A5 or Bi or D1 establishment. Then we suggest to count the number of each usage on your high street then work out if there will still remain an even number of usages. 2: Will the change of usage appear out of place or have an impact on any neighboring properties. Remember the planner will be thinking like a local resident and not a local business owner. 3: If you are purchasing a new lease or buying a new freehold and would like to make a change of usage, then request the length of time the property has been empty From your realtor/estate agent and request them to give you a copy of all marketing they have carried out including: Detail sheets, Newspaper adverts, Pictures of building with boards up. A detailed sales/Lettings report will also help, this should include a breakdown of all enquiries and offers on the said property. 4: B2 –B8 is complex area if you are interested in these usages either to become or change out of, we recommend you call to speak to one of our planning consultants prior to making an application. There are many technical areas which will require investigation, Drawing and Planning Charge £1750 for Due Diligence on a potential change of Usage applications. We hope these tips will be helpful, if you would like to speak to one of our planning consultants pick up the phone or request a callback.
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Top Five Tips For Achieving Successful Planning Approval Part 2 - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:13:41 +0100

March 28, 2010
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6: Get in touch with Drawing and Planning now to request a quotation for planning drawings. Explain your proposed development them and they will decide whether your proposal is achievable. Drawing and Planning are very experienced in dealing with all planning applications and can often give you a quotation over the phone from gauging you proposal and comparing it with past applications and projects. 7. Most applications will require an OS map to scale of your location. These maps can be sourced online. Many Ordinance Survey online sales companies will require you to request membership or be a registered company but if you search hard enough you can find sites that will allow you to pay per map. Drawing and Planning will include this in the price on your quotation. 8: Remember once you submit an application, the council have 12 weeks to make a decision. It is recommended that you do not commence building works until you have gained permission to carry out your development. The officer dealing with your application will usually make a site visit during the course of making a recommendation. 9: Some times it is better to submit a pre-planning application to your council. Often this will allow a planning officer to work with you in creating a scheme which will be recommended for planning approval. Drawing and Planning regularly insist on a pre-planning application as planners prefer to have input into the scheme during the creation stage. It is difficult to make adjustments once an application has been submitted for approval. 10: Follow up your application with regular emails or phone calls to the planning officer dealing with your application. If they tell you “I will not be recommending your application for approval” request to withdraw your application. If you withdraw an application you have 12 months to submit a new application without a council fee. We hope these 10 Planning Tips have been useful. If you would like to speak to us here at Drawing and Planning please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our contact details and online quotation system are available at http://www.drawingandplanning.com m² or ft² you will be helping yourself explain to potential estate agents, builders or architects the scope of your development.
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Top Five Tips For Achieving Successful Planning Approval - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:10:31 +0100

March 17, 2010
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1: Take your time to research the UDP policy, mayor’s plan, planning guidelines and planning regulations. This information will assist in projecting the feasibility of approval for your chosen scheme. All these publications are available on the planning portal or for your local council planning department. 2: Go to your local council’s website and research similar developments in the vicinity of your home. This information will guide you to the type of development you could achieve. At Drawing and Planning we get many enquiries for clients who wish to achieve a development similar to their neighbour’s pre 1990 development. Unfortunately or many would say fortunately the guidelines and regulations have been updated many times since 1990. 3: Speak to your neighbours to see if they would object to your proposed development. If this is the case, be prepared to compromise to achieve their support with your application. We once had a neighbour submit a 200 page report as to why she objected to the planning, as it turned out she had no argument. 4: Contact a builder to gauge a rough idea as to what your development will cost you. This is important as if you will not be able to afford the building costs you might require a smaller scheme to be prepared. Also your builder will advise you of materials they regularly use which can be added to your application. 5: Buy a measuring tape or laser tape and measure out your proposed development if this is possible. (We are not implying to get onto your roof and measure for a dormer). It would be useful to tape of the area for the proposed development so you can imagine the space you are creating. By gauging the existing and proposed m² or ft² you will be helping yourself explain to potential estate agents, builders or architects the scope of your development.
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Change Of Use Planning Application - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 20:57:51 +0000

March 01, 2010
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At Drawing and Planning there is a growing demand for Applications in Change of Use. Change of Use could be for a House to become a Business Property or for the Change of an Office into Residency. Increasingly Retail Shops (Planning Class A) are applying for Change of Use. Bigger does not mean Better. Extension to property will increase its value, but you could expand your business by others means. Expanding Business can be achieved through Change of Use, to increase the service you provide to cater for a more diverse and broader market. In a fast-paced lifestyle, there was a movement away from local stores, providing a specialist service, such as the local Butcher, Deli and Baker. However with greater care and responsibility for our environment there has also been a move away from the over commercialised super stores, stocking in everything and without specialist service. Retail Shops are becoming something in between. (In the fast-pace society we now live in, with no time to waste), Stores are adapting to the multi-task load by becoming multi-functional, by Change of Use. Launderettes serving coffee, more places providing internet pods and entertainment, restaurants opening up bars and doubling up as night clubs. (to increase the stay and expenditure of the visitor in your occupancy) Or restaurants catering for Take-Away. (Extending your service to the client on the go) Shops are transforming, becoming more like venues catering for more than one service. We at DP can help you with old fashioned courtesy but with state of the art speed and efficiency to get the planning permission you require. Extremely competitive rates apply. Move with the future but retain the aspects of the past consumers now require. (With the cost of new building expenses and lack of space/authority to build new and redundant/derelict existing builds. Change of use seems the option most suited esp. hospital/schools taking over office blocks.)
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DrawingandPlanning.com Launch Our New Website - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:27:48 +0000

February 01, 2010
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We are extremely excited here today at DrawingandPlanning.com because after two months of development we are very proud to launch our new website which contains a number of new features and functionality to assist you through your planning permission application process. Firstly we have upgraded the look and feel of DrawingandPlanning.com, we have introduced easier to use menus, clear graphics and an easier way to navigate around the site. We have also included vast amount of information on all topics relating to planning permission, planning consultants and Architectural Planning Drawings. We have provided our customers with an online order form, live chat with a consultant facility as well as a downloadable drawing sketchpad. We believe we are now able to offer our customers the full range of planning consultancy services and Architectural Planning Drawings.
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Information On Converting A House To Flats - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:25:42 +0000

January 22, 2010
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Always wanted to know how to convert your house into flats? There are a lot of property developers out there who are making a lot of money turning houses in usually two flats, but sometimes with large homes a lot more. Of course there are risks involved, however the rewards can be great. Here at DrawingandPlanning.com, we have taken some time to look at the planning permission application details and procedures required to carry out this process.. Converting or subdividing a property into self-contained flats requires a full planning application. An existing residential use converted to 4 self contained flats would, therefore, be creating 3 additional residential units, thus 3 times the current fee. The following details would be required: * Application forms * Plans * Site Location Plan * Floor Plans (Existing and Proposed) * Elevation Details (if external alterations are proposed) * If your house is a listed building it is likely you will need listed building consent and you should contact your local planning authority for advice before you start work. * Works to a listed building that affect its special historic character without consent is a criminal offense. Conversions of properties require approval under the Building Regulations. * You may need to consult the Fire Service regarding issues relating to fire escapes. The Housing Act 2004 requires that sub-divided buildings meet standards and houses in multiple occupations are licensed.
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Understanding What Needs To Be Done To Extend Your Home - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:23:52 +0000

January 10, 2010
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When making structural changes with the purpose of adding value, you should first find out the current price of your property, as well as its potential value once the changes have been done. Otherwise, your hard work and money may not reap rewards. Additionally, you can think about less radical changes - partitioning walls can be knocked down, and bigger windows can make a house appear more spacious. However, in order to really boost what you have, an extension may be the best option. Rising property prices with a premium being put on space can make extensions a wise investment. Some things to think of: Call in professionals to get the job done properly, as there are important planning restrictions and regulations which need to be followed. Although a modern extension can look good on an old house, when it comes to selling on it is important to appeal to the average buyer's taste. Therefore it is more advisable for an extension to match the architectural style of the existing house. Be strategic: Extra bathrooms and large kitchens are usually good investments in family-sized homes, and a garage in a busy, urban area will also add value. The room that usually benefits the most from enlarging is the kitchen. Adding a kitchen/diner creates the farmhouse kitchen most people want and provides extra space. The old dining room can become an office, playroom, or an extra sitting room. Kitchen extensions also provide the opportunity to extend upwards - an additional bedroom can be built on top at the same time. Loft conversions are another good way of enlarging your house. Victorian or 1930s houses are ideal for these because of their high roof pitches. Prices will vary depending on how many bedrooms are added and whether an en-suite is built. A loft room will also require less planning and building requirements than a bedroom - do the research and speak to chartered surveyors and architects.
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London House Extension Regulations - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:18:40 +0000

December 22, 2009
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Under regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 an extension or addition to your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions: No more than half the area of land around the "original house"* would be covered by additions or other buildings. No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway. No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof. Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres beyond the rear wall for an attached house and four metres beyond the rear wall for a detached house. Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres. Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres beyond the rear wall including ground floor. Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres. Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house. Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house. Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to rear boundary. Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house. Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms. Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor. On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey. On designated land no cladding of the exterior. On designated land no side extensions.
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How To Design A Prefect Dormer Window - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:16:21 +0000

December 15, 2009
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Design A Perfect Dormer: Dormers the name comes from the French word dormir, meaning to sleep have become a classic window style because they are just so useful: a dormer is a perfect way to achieve headroom where it might otherwise be difficult. To architects they provide an ideal means of creating rooms in the roof, especially in houses new or old that do not extend to two full storeys. A dormer is a vertical window with a roof of its own, positioned, at least in part, within the slope of the roof. When dormers are correct they can look wonderful. When things go wrong they look ghastly. It is a question of both size and position. Many self-builders forget that when early cottages were built there were no dormers because there were no window openings at first floor level. So vast numbers of cottage dormers are actually retrofits and yet so often they appear original. Why? Because they are not too big, and they are in proportion with the roof, which is both large and steeply pitched.
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The History Of Planning Permission In The UK - Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 18:13:08 +0000

December 08, 2009
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The roots of the UK town and country planning systems, created in the immediate post-war years, lie in concerns developed over the previous half century in response to industrialisation and urbanisation. The particular concerns were pollution, urban sprawl, and ribbon development. These concerns were expressed through the work of thinkers such as Ebenezer Howard and the philanthropic actions of industrialists such as the Lever Brothers and the Cadbury family.
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Do I Need Planning Permission? Blog Post From DrawingAndPlanning.com

info@drawingandplanning.com — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 12:13:03 +0000

December 01, 2009
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Many loft conversions do not need planning permission at all. However you should obtain advice as you may need it in your case. Some examples of those which require planning permission are · if the loft conversion changes the outside appearance of your property · if the new room(s) will constitute a change of use, for instance an office · if the volume of the extended roof exceeds 40 cubic metres for a terraced property and 50 cubic metres for a semi detached or detached house · if the loft is converted into more than two habitable rooms · if you live in a conservation area An architect will be able to advise you on whether you need planning permission, or you could contact your Local Authority yourself. Our Council Links page will direct you to your own Local Council's website for more information on planning regulations in your area. If you need to apply for planning permission the Planning Department will require several copies of your drawings and a fee. Then your planning application will be placed on the Planning Register ( which is available for members of the public to view) and your application will be published in the local press. You should receive a decision from the Planning Department within eight weeks, or if it will take longer they should write to you and and ask for an extension of time. There are two basic types of loft conversions - a "roofline" conversion, and a "dormer" conversion with many variations of the latter. "Roofline" loft conversions With this type of conversion, we would create a room/rooms within the existing shape of the roof at present using Velux windows for light and ventilation. With this type of conversion, we would not extend or alter the existing shape of the roof at present. Normally, planning permission is not required for this type of conversion. However, a full set of Architect's plans would be necessary along with the designs of a Structural Engineer and subsequent calculations to verify designs. This will be necessary to justify all current building regulations. However, if your property is in a conservation area, there may be restrictions on the design and shape of the Velux windows to be installed. A planning advisor from Luxus Lofts will be more than happy to identify whether your property is in a conservation area or not. "Dormer" loft conversions Dormer's have been referred to in many different ways, Dormer windows, Dormer extensions, roof extensions, attic extensions. A brief description of a Dormer would be an extension of an existing roof shape. Consider a most typical terraced property/town house where the roof would start at the gutters at the front of the house rising to the Apex, the ridge in the centre of the house, then falling again down to the gutters at the back of the house. This most typical roof shape does not usually produce a substantial habitable room, unless the house is unusually large. So with this type of roof structure, it would be advisable to extend the roof and create a Dormer (usually to the rear of the property.) The size, shape and general design of this or any other Dormer can vary greatly. This type of conversion may also not require planning permission. Householders have what is known as a permitted development allowance. This permitted development allowance is usually measured in cubic metres. The amount allowed (cubic metres) varies from property to property. Generally, the allowance would be between 50 and 70 cubic metres or 20% of the overall volume of the property. A surveyor can easily calculate the required volume for any dormer and whether or not this would fall within permitted development rights. Please note, there are further guidelines whilst trying to identify if your project would be allowed under permitted development rights. These are; 1. No part of the new structure must rise any higher than the existing highest part of the roof at present (usually the ridge line.) 2. Looking down on a plan, no part of this new structure must exceed the current floor plan boundary. 3. The property must not be in a conservation area. Again, as per roof line conversions, even if planning permission is not required, Architect's plans along with Structural Engineers calculations will be necessary to conform and to comply with the current building regulations.

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