CONSENTS

When undertaking almost any type of building extension, alteration, repair or refurbishment it is surprising how many forms of consent you may need to obtain.

If you occupy the building as a tenant you will certainly need Landlord’s consent.

If you are undertaking any alterations to the external parts of buildings, or changing the use you may need consent from the Local Planning Authority.

Building Regulations Advice

With Building Regulations becoming evermore complicated and widely applicable, you may also need Building Regulation Consent even if you are simply changing a window or installing a new boiler.

If your proposals include work to a party wall, or you intend to undertake excavations near to a neighbour’s property, you may need consent under the Party Wall Etc Act 1996.

If your property is a listed building, almost anything you do to it which changes the existing construction internally or externally, will require consent.

If your building is within a Conservation Area, you may require Conservation Area Consent to external alterations which change the appearance.

With Building Regulations becoming evermore complex and widespread in application it is essential that you seek professional advice when considering any works to your building. Most people are aware of the need to obtain Building Regulation approval for new build or extensions to existing building, but the new regulations now also control the re-rendering of existing properties, fitting of new windows to existing properties and installing new boilers, even if there is to be no extension or structural alteration.

Planning Advice

If you are considering any development with regards to buildings or their uses, you may wish to establish whether there are likely to be any planning problems with your proposals. Whilst this can be done by contacting your Local Authority, on a more contentious planning proposal you may feel the need for some independent advice. We are regularly in contact with Planning Authorities making applications on behalf of clients and are therefore familiar with the planning application and approval process.

We also provide planning advice as part of any design work for new build, extensions or change of use.

Listed Buildings

Owners of listed buildings need to be particularly careful in how they maintain, alter and extend them. Conservation of historic buildings is specialist work requiring professional guidance. Most works of alteration to listed buildings requires consent of the local planning authority. This is not always as straight forward as it may sound and professional advice could be of benefit. There may be some good news with regards to VAT for some owners of listed buildings.