About Us...

Consult the experts: We are experienced architectural and structural designers who specialise in home extensions and loft conversions as well as larger and new-build projects. We'll show you how you can transform your home to create the extra space you need, cost effectively and with the minimum of fuss. We handle negotiations with your local authority as your agent and obtain your Planning and Building Regulations approvals.

WILL YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

Planning is a political process involving consultation with local residents and other interested parties such as Councillors, Utility Companies, etc. and cases are determined in accordance with the local development plan.

Not all developments will require planning permission The General (Permitted Development) Order 2008 provides for extensions and roof alterations to dwelling houses within clearly defined parameters to be carried out under Permitted Development(PD). Outbuildings can also be built under PD subject to compliance with stated criteria. Internal alterations will not normally require planning permission.

Listed building consent will be required in addition to planning permission in respect of work on listed buildings and internal alterations will be subject to this.

Conservation area consent is required where it is proposed to demolish structures of a volume greater than 115m³ in a conservation area. Special rules also apply in certain cases in within Conservation Areas.

Planning permission can never be guaranteed because of it's political rather than technical basis. However, as long as the relevant national and local policies are known and complied with there will not often be a problem. BDC will advise whether any proposal will be likely to get into difficulties although there will always be the odd case that, for one reason or another, is resisted by a local planning authority (LPA) for unforeseen, and sometimes inexplicable, reasons. In these cases your options will be to either amend the scheme in line with the LPA's recommendations or you have the right of appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment against the LPA's decision. BDC do, of course, provide a full service in respect of Written Representation appeals although where a Local or Public Enquiry is necessary outside consultants, including legal Counsel, will normally be brought in.