If you’re a home owner planning alterations to your property then the first call should be to an architect. Following a site survey drawings are produced which can then be used to apply to your local council for planning permission. Once planning permission is granted a quotation or estimate is then obtained from a reputable builder or building contractor, timescales are agreed and a deposit paid.
Applications are usually decided within 8 weeks. Some more complex projects can take a little longer however there is a deadline of 13 weeks at which point you may appeal. Appeals can take several months, you can find a list of what you can appeal against here - What you can appeal against
Depending on the type of work and the amount of potential disruption you may wish to consider temporary accommodation while the building work is carried out. This is something you need to agree with your builder during early discussions.
You will need planning permission if you’re building something new, making a major change to an existing property or changing the use of a property from what is was originally intended. It’s always advisable to do some initial online research and here are some links you may find useful:
Relevant information on obtaining planning permission, provided by the UK Government
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs)
Wycombe District Council
Bucks County Council
Aylesbury Vale Council
Recommended Architect Practice
Jane Duncan architects + interiors - https://janeduncanarchitects.co.uk/
You might also like to search the RIBA website (Royal Institute of British Architects) - https://www.architecture.com/find-an-architect/
Please get in touch with us if you would like to receive a quotation.