Planning permission, building regulations and our services.

Planning permission is formal approval from the local planning authority — required for most new construction, changes of use, and major alterations. The application is assessed against policies, regulations, and local considerations, and may come with conditions.

Permitted development (PD) rights allow certain minor developments without applying for planning permission, set out in national legislation and local policies. Examples include small extensions, loft conversions, certain changes of use, solar panels and satellite dishes — but always subject to size, height, location and appearance limits.

A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a legal document from the local planning authority confirming a development is lawful and does not require planning permission — useful when selling a property or resolving disputes.

Prior approval lets certain types of development proceed without full planning permission, subject to specific conditions. It's typically required for changes of use, telecommunications installations, agricultural buildings and certain residential extensions.

• Conservation Areas: Limits on scale, design, materials and appearance; additional controls on trees, landscaping and street furniture.
• Listed Buildings: Require Listed Building Consent for any works affecting character, fabric or appearance.
• AONBs: Stricter controls on design, landscaping and tree removal.
• Green Belt: Restrictions on new development that would harm openness or character.

A measured building survey is a detailed documentation of a building's dimensions, layout and features using precise measurements — covering walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, staircases and structural components. It produces drawings used by designers, engineers and surveyors for design, renovation or construction projects.

1. Site Location Plan
2. Site Plan
3. Floor Plans
4. Elevations
5. Sections
6. Roof Plans
7. Landscaping Plans (if applicable)
8. Other supporting documents (design & access statement, heritage statement, flood risk assessment etc.)

• Design and Access Statement
• Planning Statement
• Heritage Statement
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Flood Risk Assessment
• Transport Assessment
• Ecological Survey
• Arboricultural Report
• Contaminated Land Assessment

Pre-application advice is guidance provided by a local planning authority before a formal planning application is submitted — initial consultation, feedback on proposals, identification of required documentation, an assessment of viability, and formal documentation of the advice given.

1. Pre-application consultation
2. Submission of application
3. Validation
4. Public consultation (if required)
5. Assessment
6. Decision
7. Appeals (if needed)
8. Implementation

1. Review the decision letter
2. Assess grounds for appeal
3. Choose the right appeal route (Written Representations, Informal Hearing, Public Inquiry)
4. Submit the appeal
5. Prepare your case
6. Engage with the process
7. Await the decision
8. Consider next steps

Building regulations approval ensures construction complies with standards for safety, health, energy efficiency and accessibility. It involves submission of plans, assessment by building control officers, site inspections, certification and enforcement if necessary.

Full Plans Application: Detailed construction plans are submitted and reviewed before work begins — providing certainty and reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Building Notice Application: A simpler notification without detailed plans; compliance is assessed through site inspections during construction. Suitable for smaller, straightforward projects.

Planning drawings are submitted for planning permission and focus on overall design, appearance and impact on the surrounding area.

Building Regulations drawings are submitted after planning and provide detailed technical information to ensure compliance with safety, structural and energy standards.

A build-over agreement is a legal document obtained from the water authority or sewerage company before building over or near a public sewer or drain. It outlines conditions to protect the sewer's integrity and access.

Building control officers inspect plans and construction sites, issue permits, conduct inspections at various stages, and ensure buildings meet structural, fire-safety, accessibility and energy-efficiency requirements.

A party wall surveyor resolves disputes over shared walls, assesses proposed works, serves notices, mediates between owners, and documents agreements in party wall awards.

Structural engineers design and analyse structural elements of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring they can safely withstand loads and stresses, and provide solutions for new builds or renovations.

Average construction costs in London range from £2,000 to £3,000 per square metre for standard residential projects, with higher costs for high-end or complex developments.

Research recommendations, check credentials, ask for references, review portfolios, obtain multiple quotes, meet in person, ask questions, and secure a written contract outlining scope, payment, timelines and warranties. We can refer you to vetted builders we've worked with if your project is in Greater London.