Why is Planning Permission required for building some home extensions?

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Building an extension on your home in West Yorkshire can be an exciting project, but it's important to understand the requirements surrounding planning permission.

In this blog post, we will explore the topic of planning permission and its significance when constructing an extension. I'm Russell Trudgen, Architect Director here at Arctic, and I'll be your guide to help you navigate this process.

 

 What is Planning Permission?

Planning permission is a legal requirement imposed by local authorities to ensure that construction projects align with the local development plan and regulations. In West Yorkshire, planning permission is typically necessary for most extensions to residential properties. The local planning department carefully reviews applications to evaluate factors such as the impact on neighbouring properties, overall design, and adherence to local planning policies.

 Understanding Building Regulations:

While planning permission focuses on the external appearance and impact of the extension, building regulations govern the technical aspects of construction. These regulations ensure the safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility of the building. It's important to note that building regulations and planning permission serve different purposes, but both need to be considered when extending your home.

 

Special Designations and Considerations:

If your property is a listed building, located in a conservation area, or has any other special designations, obtaining planning permission for an extension becomes even more crucial. These properties require special care to preserve their historic or architectural significance. Consult with professionals who can provide guidance on the specific requirements and restrictions that may apply to your property.

 

Consulting with an Architect:

To determine whether planning permission is necessary for your extension, it's recommended to consult with an architect early in the process. An architect can assess your property, review local planning guidelines, and provide insights into the likelihood of obtaining permission for your desired extension. Their expertise will help ensure that your project aligns with the necessary regulations.

 

Submitting a Planning Application:

When applying for planning permission, it's crucial to provide detailed drawings and plans that clearly illustrate the design, materials, and how the extension will fit into the existing property and surroundings. The local planning department will review your application and make a decision based on the provided information. Working with an architect who has experience in preparing planning applications can greatly enhance your chances of success.

 

Moving Forward with Construction:

Once you receive planning permission, you can proceed with the construction phase of your extension. It's important to work with a professional architect and contractor who will ensure that your project adheres to the conditions outlined in the planning permission and complies with building regulations. This collaboration will help you achieve a successful outcome while meeting all necessary requirements.

 

Obtaining planning permission is an integral part of building an extension on your home in West Yorkshire. By adhering to local regulations, you ensure the compatibility of your project with the surrounding environment and protect the interests of the community. Consult with professionals, such as architects and contractors, to guide you through the planning process and ensure a smooth journey towards creating a stunning extension that enhances your home.

 

If you have any questions or require assistance with your extension project, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We have dedicated staff to help you navigate the planning process and bring your extension vision to life. Thank you for reading!

How Much Does a House Extension Cost? Comprehensive Guide

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Are you considering a house extension in Yorkshire but need clarification on the costs?

 
 

Building an extension is an exciting project that can transform your home and provide much-needed space. However, it's essential to understand the factors influencing the overall cost.

In this article, we'll explore the ballpark figures and considerations when budgeting for a house extension in Yorkshire.

Building an extension is an exciting project that can transform your home and provide much-needed space. However, it's essential to understand the factors influencing the overall cost.

In this article, we'll explore the ballpark figures and considerations when budgeting for a house extension in Yorkshire.

Factors Affecting the Cost: Before diving into the numbers, it's crucial to remember that the cost of a house extension can vary significantly based on several factors, including size, design, materials, and location. Let's examine some key aspects that can impact the overall cost.

  1. Size and Design: The size and complexity of your extension play a significant role in determining the cost. Generally, a single-storey extension in Yorkshire can cost between £1,200 and £1,800 per square metre. This estimate includes labour, materials, foundation, walls, roof, and basic finishes. If you opt for a two-storey extension, costs typically range from £1,800 to £2,500 per square metre due to additional requirements such as stairs and structural considerations.

  2. Finishes and Customisation: The desired finishes and customisation level will also affect the cost. Basic finishes are included in the initial estimate, but if you prefer high-end finishes, customised features, or intricate architectural details, the cost per square metre can increase significantly.

  3. Additional Expenses: Apart from construction costs, it's crucial to consider other expenses that contribute to the total project cost. These can include planning permission, building regulations, and professional fees for architectural design, structural engineering, and project management. Typically, these additional costs range from 10% to 20% of the total project cost.

  4. Timeline: The timeline for completing a house extension depends on various factors, including the size and complexity of the project, weather conditions, and unforeseen issues. A single-storey extension usually takes 12-16 weeks to complete, while a two-storey extension may require 16-20 weeks.

Consulting Professionals: While these figures provide a general idea, consulting with a professional architect and builder is essential to get an accurate cost assessment tailored to your specific project. Working closely with experts ensures that your extension aligns with your vision and budget.

Conclusion: Building a house extension in Yorkshire is an exciting venture that can enhance your living space and add value to your property. Understanding the costs involved is crucial for effective budgeting and planning. By considering factors such as size, design, finishes, and additional expenses, you can better estimate the overall cost. Remember to consult professionals to get accurate assessments and turn your dream extension into a reality.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your extension project, please contact our team of experts. We are here to help you every step of the way. Thank you for reading!

How to care for your building throughout all seasons?

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Building Annual Maintenance
Check List

Constant Awareness

  • Look at the gutters and roofs as you walk around the building, especially during or after rain, and see where water runs, leaks or overflows and whether any areas of brick or rendering appear unusually saturated. Act quickly to repair any leaks to prevent damage to walls and ceilings.

  • Make a full visual inspection referring to the any building survey reports.

Annually

  • Check and reassess level of Insurance cover to ensure adequate reinstatement in the event of mishap. It is also important to advise the Insurers of any major works which may increase the risk, and of any Contracts where cover has to be maintained, singly or in joint names.

  • Inspect boundaries, gates, paths and steps for condition and for aspects of public liability if your property is used as a place of work or public assembly.

Winter

  • Clear snow from vulnerable areas.

  • Check any temperature discrepancies and correct operation of heating appliances. If the building is not in use for several days in frost conditions, ensure that the frost thermostat is operating and that the heating is brought on at a low level and ventilation provided so that the structure does not become chilled with a risk of condensation.

Late Spring

  • Make a full visual inspection referring to any building survey reports.

  • Check for any bird entry or roosting and block or fit mesh to any opening at risk. 

  • Remove any ivy, elder or sycamore saplings growing near walls and poison remaining roots. 

  • Spray around wall bases, steps and paving joints to discourage weed growth. 

  • Look out for any signs of beetle or worm infestation near exposed timbers, alerting cleaners to report any unusual piles of wood dust or clean holes on woodwork. 

Summer

  • Keep weed growth in check, clean out all gutters, adjust falls, and repair joints and brackets. 

  • After the heating season, arrange annual service, to be completed before the next heating season and leave tested and commissioned. 

Autumn

Inspect roofs with binoculars to check for any slipped or broken slates for repair before Winter. 

Open manhole covers and hose or swill away any deposits, or rod any potential blockages. Clean cover rebates and set-in grease. 

After leaf fall, clean gutters again to ensure full capacity for Winter and snow drainage


Regeneration scheme to green Lambeth Embankment and the surrounding areas.

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GARDEN MUSEUM COMPETITION

 
 

The Brief

The Garden Museum, established in 1977, is the only museum in the UK dedicated to Gardening. The home of the museum is the repurposed Grade II*-listed former St Mary’s Church on the south bank of the Thames. The building sits next to the Grade I-listed Lambeth Palace and the Grade II-listed Lambeth Bridge. In 2017 an extension to the museum was completed by the talented Dow Jones Architects along with the renowned landscape designer Dan Pearson.

The Museum recently put together an ideas competition for the design of a new landmark pavilion serving as a gateway to the museum. This building will be part of a TfL regeneration scheme to green Lambeth Embankment and the surrounding areas, creating a new 2.14-ha park designed by Dan Pearson Studio. The scheme will involve reworking the road network to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists using the busy Lambeth Road.

Context

Our entries

At Arctic Associates, we were pleased to use this as an opportunity to test out our design skills by responding to a unique brief. Our team members Carl and Abre each submitted a design responding to the brief and the place.

The Red Gates

  • The new entrance to the Garden Museum has been designed to bring people together in its form, use and creation. The pavilion takes its inspiration from historic church lynch gates, forming an embracing crescent to welcome visitors and creating a new public exhibition space.

  • The pavilion is designed around simple structural units which serve as a covered gateway into the Museum. Functional spaces for volunteers are lined with built-in seating formed in terracotta to allow visitors to enjoy the new exhibition space and the revamped Lambeth Green.

  • The red gates were designed to bring the community together in the co-design and creation of terracotta tiles that hang on the face of the gable ends of the structure. The tiles' designs reference the area's craft heritage, which served as a home base for the ceramic and home accessories manufacturer Royal Doulton for over 100 years.

Unity Pavillion

  • The Lambeth Green Unity Pavilion explores several motions with one underlying theme, unification. The main influence behind this proposal is the River Thames. Given the proximity to the River and the undervalued importance of water for life to thrive, the Unity Pavilion is an expression of a continuous flow, infinite possibilities and connectivity.

  • Its proposed construction incorporates a balance of timber, brick, terracotta, stone and copper, each selected for their particular authentic allure and ability to complement one another in their rawest forms. Every component of the pavilion offers a sensory experience; the walls and canopy rise and fall to create spaces that the public can mount and utilise as furniture. A central feature fountain, slotted timber partitions and perforated brick walls ensure water and light are a constant focus.

     

  • The Unity Pavilion is carefully considered and designed to serve as a gateway for the Garden Museum as well as a refuge for its maintenance team. The pavilion is sculpted in one continuous flowing element, forming a canopy and defining spaces for the public to linger and celebrate water and light. Ultimately highlighting the importance of the elements that make the Garden Museum a possibility.  

And the winner is…

The Garden Museum recently announced the six teams shortlisted to continue to the next phase of the design competition, where they will develop their designs for the next round of judging. The shortlisted architects are Mary Duggan Architects, Charles Holland Architects, Roz Barr Architects, Cooke Fawcett Architects and a collaboration between Bartlett graduates Adrian Yankee Siu and Shi Qi Kiki Tu.

What's best way to restore historical buildings?

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8 valuable tips on bringing your historic building back to life!

 

1. Understand the building's history

Before starting any work, it's essential to research the building's history and significance. This will help you understand what features need to be preserved and what changes can be made.

2. What is the condition of the building?

Conducting a thorough assessment of the building's condition helps determine the extent of repair or restoration required. 

This assessment should cover the structural integrity, stability, water damage and decay affecting the building fabric and use.

3. What are the legal and regulatory obligations?

Know the legal requirements and restrictions associated with its listed status and heritage designation.

Research and liaise with the local conservation officer and statutory bodies to obtain permission for the proposed repair work.

 4. What are the desired outcomes for the repair work?

Define the objectives of the repair project. Consider how the goal of reinstating and preserving the building's original state wherever possible using specific practices as much as possible of the period. Consider using similar methods and techniques to provide new improvements where needed.

5. What are the budget and available resources?

Evaluating the financial resources available for repair work is crucial. It's recommended to create a budget that not only covers the initial repairs but also accounts for any other maintenance and repairs that may be done simultaneously. This approach maximises the use of scaffolding and the expertise of specific craftsmen, adding value to the building at a lower cost for the owner in the long run.

 6. Are there any potential risks or challenges?

Identify and mitigate as many potential risks such as hidden structural elements, environmental impacts and include a contingency for unforeseen complications that may arise during the repair work.

Anticipate challenges related to access and necessary conservation techniques. Make sure any modern building material is compatible bile with the existing building fabric.

7. What are the appropriate repair and conservation methods?

Determine and specify the most suitable conservation techniques and materials based on the building's condition and historical significance. Ensure techniques have minimal impact to the existing historical building and all repairs  are compatible with the original fabric.

 8. How will the repairs impact the building's future maintenance?

Plan for the ongoing maintenance and care of the building post-repair.

Consider the potential long-term implications of the repair and ensure the chosen interventions are sustainable and minimise future maintenance requirements.

By addressing these questions, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the building's needs, legal obligations, and desired outcomes, which will inform the decision-making process for the repair work. Consulting with professionals, such as architects, conservation specialists, and heritage experts, can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the project.