Building Regulations for Homeowner Extensions

Many homeowners who are interested in getting more information about extension projects can find the Building Regulations for extensions a little complicated. If you are considering building your own extension and are finding the building regulations difficult to get your head around, then read on for some of our most frequently asked questions about extensions.

What are Building Regulations?

Building Regulations are legislation detailing the methods and requirements for the construction of buildings. These regulations are primarily concerned with the safety of a building’s structure and its resistance to fire. 

As they have evolved over the centuries, Building Regulations have focused upon a wider range of issues including the most recent requirements as regards to energy efficiency and ensuring that buildings are more environmentally friendly. By complying with building regulations when building extensions, you are ensuring that you will end up with a building which is safe to work and live in.   

When do Building Regulations apply?

Building Regulations apply to most new building works and extensions and any other structural work which may be carried out on a building. Building Regulations will apply in a range of differing situations.

You should always investigate which regulations apply if you are in the following situations:

• building a new building
• building an extension on an existing building
• altering or changing an existing building
• providing fittings
• underpinning foundations

When are building works exempt from Building Regulations? 

How do I apply for Building Regulation approval?

If you are interested in building an extension then you will first need to make sure that you have Planning Permission and have acquired Building Regulations approval.  You can either do this through Full Plans Submission or Building Notice. At Design Drawn Ltd we would be pleased to provide all of the design, drawing and local authority services required to bring your dreams HOME to reality.

Permitted Development Rights – You may already have Planning Permission!

In the UK, you can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called "permitted development rights". They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. These rules governing the size of any additions you can make to your property without going through Planning Process were modified significantly in 2008 making generating the additional space you desire far simpler.

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT - THE FACTS

• Permitted Development Rights are not subjective.

• You either have them or you don't.

• You can either add space or you can't

• Neighbours do not have the right to object

• Planners cannot influence your project

With a little bit of expert advice you may discover that you already have the ability to move forward with that Loft Conversion, Garden Office or Extension project without enduring the cost, time and hassle of going through the full Householder Planning Process. Many projects qualify for such permitted development rights, enabling the homeowner to avoid the conventional planning procedures. They are completely legal; do not require any consultation with your neighbours or local planners. However you must obtain a Certificate of Lawful Development by the Council.

Are there any Restrictions to Permitted Development?

In certain cases there are restrictions on properties Permitted Development Rights, for example with listed properties or homes situated within Designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you are a homeowner in the Southeast of England and are considering a home project please contact us for a no obligation consultation. We can explore your Permitted Development Rights, and of course, if planning permission is needed, we are experts at getting it for you. Leave all the paperwork to us and we will do our utmost to get you permission as swiftly as possible. . 

For more information please visit our website:Design Drawn Ltd

Rear Infill Extensions

Many older terraced houses (row houses) were designed in an “L” shape, often mirrored with the adjacent property. The shape invites daylight into central living space. Rear infill extensions enclose this space and often take on corresponding “L” shape. A clear example of this is shown in the image included in the introductory post to this blog, “And so it begins”. It is important to consider the implications of infill in the design. The loss of daylight could destroy the quality of the internal spaces in the new deep footprint. 

Note the roof lights in the previously mentioned image? In this case these are designed to maintain a good level of natural light. There can sometimes be planning difficulty with these sorts of developments particularly if they risk restricting daylight to a neighbouring property. If the existing party wall is already high enough, this should be easily overcome. One distinct advantage to this type of extension is often the ease at which the new construction can be tied back into the existing building. This image is good example of a simple glass infill extension which makes the most of the existing party wall and creates a dynamic new interior with views onto the rear courtyard garden.