Questions?

Not necessarily. Many projects fall under Permitted Development (PD), which allows certain works without a full application. However, these rights are strict regarding size and height, and they often don’t apply to flats or homes in Conservation Areas.

Think of an LDC as your “insurance policy”. It’s formal confirmation from the council that your project is legal under PD. While not always required to start, you’ll definitely want one when you come to sell your home to prove everything was built lawfully.

For most householder applications (extensions and alterations), the statutory period is 8 weeks from the moment the council validates it. Larger “major” developments can take up to 13 weeks.

Usually, it’s down to three things: poor design, impact on neighbours (like blocking their light), or clashing with local policy. A diligent review of the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before submitting is how we avoid these pitfalls.

Introduced in early 2024, BNG requires most developments to leave the local environment 10% better off than they found it. You will need an ecologist to measure this, though self-builds and extensions are often exempt.

Neighbours are consulted and can express views on your application, but they don’t have a “veto”. The council only considers objections based on “material considerations,” like privacy or daylight – not just because a neighbour doesn’t like the look of it.

Yes. Listing means your building has special historic value and is protected by law. You’ll need Listed Building Consent for almost any work beyond minor repairs, and you’ll likely need a Heritage Statement to justify the changes.

Yes, but the process requires accurate drawings, policy understanding, and a clear proposal.

Small mistakes or unclear submissions can lead to delays or refusals. Professional input helps ensure everything is properly considered from the outset.

Short answer – no. Planning is only half the battle. You still need Building Regulations approval. Planning is about how it looks; Building Regs are about how it’s built (structure, fire safety, insulation).

This is where we turn a concept into a instruction manual for your builder. It involves detailed construction drawings, specifications, and coordination with experts like structural engineers to ensure the project meets current safety standards.

They are the maths-masters. They calculate the stability and strength of the load-bearing parts of your home such as steel beams, roof timbers and foundations. Building Control won’t sign off on the project without these calculations and so a structural engineer is a vital part of the design team. 

Modern regulations are very strict on carbon footprints and heat loss – especially for new build homes. An assessor uses complex calculations to ensure your new space won’t be freezing in winter or a greenhouse in summer.

It sounds complicated, but it’s just a measurement of heat lost at the “junctions” where your walls, floors, and windows meet. We thermally model these to make sure you aren’t literally “throwing heat out the window”.

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced formal roles: the Client (you), the Principal Designer (usually us), and the Principal Contractor (your builder). We all have legal responsibilities to work together and sign off on the safety of the build.

Enacted after the Grenfell tragedy, it significantly tightens rules for all construction. It ensures everyone on your team is competent and that there is a clear paper trail of how the building was constructed.

A Building Inspector will visit at key milestones: when the ground is dug, when foundations are laid, and when the roof is up. You (or your builder) must give them 24 hours’ notice before moving to the next stage.

No, but having a professional on board significantly improves the outcome and reduces risks.

Our team at New Space will help you shape the design, navigate planning, and ensure the project works in practice — not just on paper.

Costs vary widely depending on size, complexity, and specification.

Typical ranges are often quoted per square metre and can range from £2500+VAT to £3500+VAT, depending on finishes.

Early design decisions have the biggest influence on cost and clarity at the start will help avoid surprises later.

In most cases, yes — particularly when it improves layout and usability.

The exact value added will depend on design quality, location, and how well the space works but altering or extending your home is almost always a sensible investment.

And remember, it is not just about monetary value but the transformation in your lifestyle and how you live that is priceless.

CIL is a charge (tax) set by local authorities on certain developments.

It is usually based on additional floor area or any new build development and varies by location.

Some residential projects may be exempt such as small extensions or self-build homes, but CIL forms must still be submitted correctly, prior to commencement, to avoid liability.

Most projects follow RIBA Stages 1-4 which in simple terms can be summarised as site survey, concept design, planning and technical design.

These stages are a necessary part of the process however further input can be given throughout the construction process too.

Timescales for Stage 1-4 vary, but the process typically takes a minimum of 6 months to design your concept and gain the necessary planning and building regulation consents before any building work can commence.

After planning approval, the project moves into technical design and Building Regulations.

This stage is vitally important and prepares the detailed information needed for construction, ensuring everything is properly coordinated before work begins.