1
Assessment
We will use our expertise and resources to examine the site location, planning constraints, site history and other factors to provide an initial feasibility assessment. Our findings will determine whether the site's potential aligns with our client's vision.
2
Survey
Our initial site visit allows us to introduce ourselves in person to our client and assess the site in further detail. We will then conduct a full measured survey of the site. allowing us to produce existing drawings which to then work from.
3
Design
During this stage, our skilled Architects begin by preparing architectural drawings that bring out the best of our client's needs. We develop the breif and advice the best way forward for the project and manage the chosen planning route on their behalf.
4
Submission
Once the application bas been submitted, we monitor the progress and communicate with the Local Planning Authority during the determination proces. We will ensure all requirements are met so taht all cleint's ollanning applications receive a smooth journey.
5
Building Regulations
Get the go-ahead to build with our expert technical drawings and a team of construction experts. During this stage, we will be coordination your project and preparing for the submission to Building Control.
House Extensions
Are you going for a contemporary style extension with bi-fold doors and a roof lantern to make it feel light and airy or a more traditional design to match the character of the existing house? Whatever the case our Architects can assist you in designing your dream extension and our planners can offer you the expertise to guide your proposal through the planning system.
Loft Conversions
Loft Conversions are a great way to gain additional bedrooms and raise the value of your house. They can often be done without the need for planning permission; however you will still need Building Regulation drawings which we can provide for you. Additionally, our Planners would recommend obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate from the Council to ensure that what you are proposing does not require planning permission. This can prevent against potential enforcement action and is also a handy document to have if you are planning to sell or re-mortgage your home, but most of all it offers you peace of mind.
New Build Home
Whether you are a private individual or a developer, our services are individually tailored to meet your needs. Sustainable new build developments requires careful consideration of a multitude of factors, from Planning to Environmental. Our team has extensive experience in dealing with most small and large developments and overcoming the challenges presented by new development and are fully acquainted with the wide-ranging information Councils expect.
Flat Conversions
It's all in the design! We have planned and delivered hundreds of conversions, in our view the key to planning a viable and sustainable conversion is in the proposed layout and often requires a high level of creativity and foresight to achieve the optimum results. Our senior designer has been the lead project manager on a number of conversions and has a wealth knowledge on all aspects of these projects. Please contact us for more details.
Commercial Developments
Change of Use almost always requires specialist planning input from the early stages. Council Policies on this matter can sometimes be ambiguous or subjective, there are also a variety of factors to consider from Environmental issues to the viability and vitality of the area. Our Planners can guide you through this process and prepare a robust argument in favour of your proposal. If you are seeking to change your shopfront you will almost always require planning permission, our Planners can liaise with your shopfront fitters or suppliers and guide you through the planning process. If you are in a Conservation Area our Architects can advise you on which designs could be acceptable.
LDC
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a legal document stating the lawfulness of past, present or future building use, operations or other matters. In summary, lawful development is development against which no enforcement action may be taken and where no enforcement notice is in force, or, for which planning permission is not required.
Planning Enforcement
A planning enforcement order enables an authority to take action in relation to an apparent breach of planning control notwithstanding that the time limits may have expired. If you have received an enforcement letter from your Local Planning Authority, we can help you to achieve a successful planning application.
Planning Appeals
If you have received a refusal for a planning application, you can appeal a decision made by a local authority on a planning application if you disagree with it or if the application wasn’t determined within eight weeks (for a typical householder development) or 13 weeks for major developments. Please get in touch to discuss the likelihood of a successful appeal.
Planning Consultancy
Led by our Planning Director, our team have over 40 years’ combined experience, providing services & solutions for all rural and urban based development needs and opportunities. We have a well-rounded background within the planning industry, having worked within the local planning authority, architectural design, planning consultancy and house building fields. Combining this expertise with a proactive, can-do approach means we are able to secure the very best development opportunities for our clients.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations specifications act as guide to help ensure you are building your development in accordance with current British Standards. Builders are also likely to want to see these plans before they commit to a quote. Please note Building Regulations are usually quoted separately from planning applications.
3D Visualisations
Our combination of architectural knowledge, technical know-how, and 3D visualisation skills help to visually showcase your designs. Backed by the latest CGI software and our in-house artists, we create photorealistic CGIs for your next architectural project.
Project Management
Our client’s projects are diverse, and our service covers strategic projects, for large organisations, to smaller one-off projects. Gill Sterling has extensive experience of providing a total project management service for residential and mixed-use developments.