Planning & Building Warrant Applications
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, you may only require to engage the services of an architect for certain stages. This may be to prepare and submit a Planning Application and / or Building Warrant Application only.
Planning Applications assess your proposed project against all relevant Planning Policies and the Local Plan. Local Plans set out a vision and a framework for the future development of the area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure – as well as a basis for safeguarding the environment, adapting to climate change and securing good design. They are the starting-point for considering whether applications can be approved.
You may need planning permission if:
- you want to build something new
- you want to make a major change to your building – like building an extension
- you want to change the use of your building
- your building is in a conservation area (you may need 'conservation area consent')
- your building is a listed building (you may need 'listed building consent')
In some cases Planning Permission will not be required, if it is classed as ‘Permitted Development’. These rights are granted so that many instances of small alterations and extensions can be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. FS Architecture can advise to help you determine what permissions are required.
Planning Applications, if for minor domestic applications, can take up to 8 weeks for a decision to be reached.
Building Warrant Applications - These are separate and sometimes additional to Planning Applications. The building regulations (or building standards) set out statutory requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction and notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work. They are technical guidance to ensure buildings are safe, efficient and sustainable.
The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings. Building warrants are normally decided within 4-6 weeks and are valid for 3 years.
The local authority will carry out inspections during construction. Once construction is completed, a completion certificate (and where appropriate an energy performance certificate) is sent to the local authority who will then inspect the works.
