PLANNING PERMISSION ADVICE & CONSULTING
Understanding what may be possible before committing significant time or money to a project is an important first step. We provide planning feasibility assessments and site appraisals for homeowners, property developers and businesses considering extensions, new-build homes, conversions, changes of use and wider development opportunities across London and the surrounding areas.
Our review considers the existing site, surrounding context, local planning policies, planning history and any obvious constraints that may affect the proposal. Where relevant, we also look at matters such as neighbouring development, access, overlooking, scale, massing, conservation considerations and the relationship between the proposal and the character of the local area.
The purpose of a feasibility assessment is to help establish a realistic planning strategy before a full application is prepared. This can help identify potential risks early, highlight opportunities to improve the proposal and give you a clearer understanding of the most appropriate route forward.
For development sites and properties with greater potential, we can also consider different design options and development scenarios to help determine how the site could be used more effectively while remaining responsive to local planning requirements.
Planning Applications
We prepare and coordinate planning applications for a wide range of residential and commercial projects, from small-scale home extensions to new-build development and more complex property proposals. Our planning application service is designed to provide a clear and coordinated route from the initial idea through to submission to the relevant local planning authority.
Depending on the project, we can prepare the architectural drawings, supporting documents and information required for the application. This may include existing and proposed plans, elevations, sections, site plans, design information and supporting planning material relevant to the proposal.
Every application is developed with consideration of the site, surrounding properties, local planning policy and the specific requirements of the local authority. Our aim is to produce a clear, well-presented submission that explains the proposal properly and demonstrates how the design responds to its context.
We assist with planning applications for projects including house extensions, loft conversions, property alterations, residential conversions, changes of use, new-build homes, commercial schemes and development opportunities involving land or existing buildings.
Pre-Application Advice
We prepare and coordinate planning applications for a wide range of residential and commercial projects, from small-scale home extensions to new-build development and more complex property proposals. Our planning application service is designed to provide a clear and coordinated route from the initial idea through to submission to the relevant local planning authority.
Depending on the project, we can prepare the architectural drawings, supporting documents and information required for the application. This may include existing and proposed plans, elevations, sections, site plans, design information and supporting planning material relevant to the proposal.
Every application is developed with consideration of the site, surrounding properties, local planning policy and the specific requirements of the local authority. Our aim is to produce a clear, well-presented submission that explains the proposal properly and demonstrates how the design responds to its context.
We assist with planning applications for projects including house extensions, loft conversions, property alterations, residential conversions, changes of use, new-build homes, commercial schemes and development opportunities involving land or existing buildings.
SITE ANALYSIS
SITE VISIT
CONCEPT DESIGN
We assess the site, surrounding context and key constraints to understand its opportunities and development potential. This early analysis helps inform the design approach and ensures proposals respond appropriately to the property, neighbouring buildings and local planning considerations.
A site visit allows us to assess the property in person, understand the existing conditions and identify any key opportunities or constraints that may affect the project. This helps ensure the design and planning approach is based on a clear understanding of the site from the outset.
We develop initial design concepts that explore the best use of space, layout and development potential while responding to your brief, budget and site constraints. These early proposals establish the direction of the project before progressing into detailed design and planning.
Planning Drawings
Clear and accurate architectural drawings are a fundamental part of a planning application. We prepare planning drawings that communicate the existing property or site and the proposed development in a professional and easy-to-understand format.
Depending on the project, the drawing package can include existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, site location plans, block plans and other information required to explain the proposal. For more complex schemes, additional drawings may be produced where necessary to illustrate scale, relationships, access or site layout.
Our planning drawings are developed alongside the design process rather than treated as a simple submission exercise. We consider how the proposal relates to the existing building, neighbouring properties, the street scene and the wider character of the area.By combining architectural design with an understanding of planning requirements, we aim to create proposals that make effective use of the available space while remaining appropriate to the site and its surroundings.
MEASURED BUILDING SURVEY
We carry out measured building surveys to accurately record the existing property, including key dimensions, layouts and architectural features. This provides the reliable information needed to develop accurate drawings and progress the design efficiently.
EXISTING DRAWINGS
Existing drawings are prepared from the measured survey to clearly document the current layout and condition of the property. These typically include floor plans, elevations and sections required to support the design and planning process.
PROPOSED DRAWINGS
Proposed drawings illustrate the intended design and show how the property or site will be altered or developed. They communicate the new layout, form and appearance of the scheme and are used to support planning applications and further project development.
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Planning Statements & Supporting Documents
Not every building project requires a full planning application. Certain types of work may fall within permitted development rights, depending on the property, location and nature of the proposed changes.
We can review your proposal and advise whether permitted development may provide an appropriate route. This can include certain house extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings and other forms of development where national permitted development rights apply.
Where appropriate, we can prepare an application for a Lawful Development Certificate to obtain formal confirmation from the local authority that the proposed or existing works are lawful for planning purposes. This can provide valuable certainty for property owners, future purchasers and lenders.
Permitted development rules can be affected by factors such as conservation areas, Article 4 Directions, previous alterations, planning conditions and the specific type of property involved, so each project should be considered individually.
Application Handling
Our involvement does not necessarily end once a planning application has been submitted. We can remain engaged throughout the determination period and communicate with the local planning authority where required.
This can include responding to planning officer queries, providing clarification, supplying additional drawings or information and discussing potential amendments to the proposal where appropriate.
Where the planning officer raises concerns that may be capable of being addressed through design changes, we can review the comments and consider whether revisions could improve the application while preserving the main objectives of the project.
Maintaining clear communication during the application process can help ensure that requests are dealt with efficiently and that the proposal continues to be presented as clearly as possible.