At RBD Architecture & Interiors we have previously worked with Local Authorities to achieve and successfully obtain Planning Consent for all types of extensions and alterations.
Our architectural design team is led by co-founder, Director and Architect, Andy Willis, His team manage each step of the design and consents process involved in getting a project live on site this frees our clients from the time and responsibility for individually appointing an architect, structural engineer, interior designer, mechanical and electrical engineer etc.
Most building works require permissions from various authorities to be granted before they can go ahead. Depending on the extent of the work, the location and type of the property, it may be one or more of the following: Permitted Development, Planning permission, Freeholder’s consent, Conservation Area consent, Listed Building consent, Party Wall awards, Building Regulations approval etc.
At the beginning of the project, we would always advise the Client what consents and approvals may be required. In complex cases, we would recommend applying for a pre-planning advice before submitting a full planning application.
At appropriate stages, we would prepare and submit applications on the Client’s behalf to the statutory authorities. We would monitor their progress, provide additional information and, if required, negotiate with the authorities. In complex cases, we may involve reputable planning, heritage and other specialist consultants.
Most building works require permissions from various authorities to be granted before they can go ahead. Depending on the extent of the work, the location and type of the property, it may be one or more of the following: Permitted Development, Planning permission, Freeholder’s consent, Conservation Area consent, Listed Building consent, Party Wall awards, Building Regulations approval etc.
At the beginning of the project, we would always advise the client what consents and approvals may be required. In complex cases, we would recommend applying for a pre-planning advice before submitting a full planning application.
There are several types of planning permission available, each best suited to certain projects and builds. Full planning permission offers consent for a project based on a detailed designed being provided. However, your project must be shown to meet the planning conditions attached to the permission in order for approval to be valid. These must be discharged formally by letter by the local authority to start work.
Outline planning permission doesn’t include any specifics in the design, but offers a ‘permission in principle’. Outline planning permission doesn’t give you consent to begin the work, it’s used more often to explore whether a build would be viable. An application for ‘reserved matters’ — which may include the size of the proposed house, appearance, position, landscaping and access will need to be submitted and approved before work can take place. If your detailed plans deviate significantly from the original outline permission then you’ll likely need to submit for full planning.
Householder planning permission is used for permission to alter or extend an individual house within the boundary of the property.
Buildings of particular architectural interest are often officially “listed” and thereby protected. Many residential buildings in London are listed Grade II which means that any alterations (not just those to the outside or original parts) have to be approved under a Listed Building Consent. The rules are even stricter for the buildings of particular significance listed Grade II* and Grade I.
Making a Listed Building Consent application is similar to making a planning application; some additional information will be required.
Living in a conservation area usually means that changes to the external appearance of your building will be a particularly sensitive issue.
You may need to complete an application for a Conservation Area Consent alongside a Planning Application (sometimes even when the latter is not required). In some cases, large trees and rear façades not visible from the street are still considered part of the character of the conservation area.
The Freeholder’s consent may be required for works to leasehold properties. It is a legal document usually called “Licence for works” or “Licence to alter”.
Obtaining it is a separate process, which may be quite lengthy depending on the procedures of a particular management company and the conditions of your lease. We can help with the requirements for your project or listed building consent and advise you on the best course of action.
Whether your looking to extend under permitted development or do major changes under full planning permission we can help you maximise your project’s potential, research its planning history and advise on any limitations.
We are also well versed in local planning polices and building consents for various estates such as Grosvenor & Cadogan Estate Management.
I cannot recommend Andy and the RBD team enough – absolutely fantastic. I engaged Andy on a major project for 6+ months. At all times he was super professional and knowledgeable. I was DELIGHTED with the results and will definitely use him again!
We are still early in the construction phase but we’re very pleased with the excellent design and advice we’ve received from Andy Willis so far. Our project has been complicated and unusual for various reasons and Andy has gone above and beyond in helping us. Andy has been great at steering us, drawing out what we were looking for and organising us and our priorities. Andy’s great at communicating regularly and we’ve been really pleased at his level of care and attention. We just can’t wait to see the final house, and then I’ll be back to update my review!
I employed RBD Architecture & Interiors to renovate a London townhouse into 2 apartments. Andy did a fantastic job of laying out the space in both properties resulting in both apartments achieving the full asking price in record time. His designs were clever, utilized all available space, and looked fantastic, quickly reminding me of the added value an architect can have on any property. I am currently doing another similar development in London as well as renovating a holiday home in the West Indies and using Andy for both properties was the obvious choice. I am excited to see both come to fruition. If you are looking for a smart and easy-to-work with architect who understands your brief and goes beyond that by offering intelligent solutions to any design problem, then look no further.
RBD have helped with the redesign of various parts (living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms) of our London home over recent years. We are delighted with the results – the mix of arresting vision and ‘fit for use’ practicality. We plan to continue using them in the future.
We were exceptionally pleased with the work done by RBD. They took into consideration all of our asks, came up with innovative solutions for maximizing storage, and worked extremely closely with the builders to ensure the entire process went smoothly from start to finish and that the end result was exactly what we were looking for from an aesthetic and practical perspective.
We were exceptionally pleased with the work done by RBD. They took into consideration all our asks, came up with innovative solutions for maximising storage, and worked extremely closely with the builders to ensure the entire process went smoothly from start to finish and that the end result was exactly what we were looking for from an aesthetic and practical perspective.
RBD Architecture & Interiors helped us with various works to our home including a new master suite. The service provided was excellent and their team have a real eye for detail – especially in Interior Design.
Andy and his team designed our beautiful new home combining creative design with very good ideas and the capacity to deliver on time, with great results.
We have been working with RBD for a while now during the redevelopment of our London offices. Their combined architectural and interior design capability has been particularly useful in meeting our objectives.
We used RBD Architecture & Interiors to design and manage the extensive redevelopment of our period Mews house in London. They helped us each and every step of the way including obtaining all the relevant planning consents.
