About Scenario Architecture’s Stamp On London Homes
As heritage homes in London grow ever more desirable, homeowners are increasingly renovating and extending their properties. Contemporary lifestyles prioritise open-plan kitchens, en suite bathrooms and abundant natural light. A skilled architect can distill the ambitions of a modern household into a beautiful, efficient design that is both harmonious and fully compliant with planning regulations. Scenario counts itself among the top residential architecture firms in London. We have more than a decade of experience in restoring and enhancing heritage homes across the city with our unique, contemporary approach. A Scenario home may look like its neighbours from the pavement, but behind the façade it wows with unusual sightlines, fluid lines and a remarkable distinction between old and new. Clients who choose us aspire to a new archetype for London living: open and comfortable, luxurious yet accessible. A highly functional home is the product of a deep understanding and precise analysis of each client’s unique lifestyle. Among all the architecture firms in London, Scenario’s founding partners share a unique vision: to practice a truly compassionate and collaborative art. Since 2007, we’ve taken a considered approach to our clients’ needs and ambitions, pushing them to the next level. Scenario’s tailor-made homes tell a story about each owner – not about the architects. Our landmark residential project Scenario House established us as one of the top architecture firms in London today. Located in Stoke Newington, east London, we showcase the best of what a Victorian house can become and sets the bar high for modern refurbishments. In 2018, the house was shortlisted for the RIBA London Awards and other architecture prizes. Still as fresh and efficient today as when we put it to paper, it merges contemporary steel and glass with reclaimed wood, antique brick and eco-friendly elements.Leading Architecture Firms in London
When researching architecture firms in London, clients often look for a blend of creativity, technical expertise and a proven record of exceptional design. Scenario Architecture stands among the city’s leading practices, combining the agility and personalised service of a boutique studio with the resources and capabilities of larger architecture firms in London. Based in central London, our studio works across residential, workplace, urban and hospitality sectors. Our team collaborates closely with each client to transform exterior and interior spaces into innovative, sustainable and functional environments. We draw inspiration from the best architecture firms such as David Chipperfield Architects, Make Architects, and Norman Foster, combining their spirit of excellence with our own award-winning and London-based approach. We collaborate with developers, investors and other stakeholders to deliver consultancy, strategic planning, and outstanding projects across London, the UK, and the rest of the world. Guided by innovation and interdisciplinary expertise, we have earned a reputation as a trusted practice for residential, urban, and infrastructure developments. Whether contributing to completed schemes or complex projects in progress, we take pride in creating design solutions that balance the demands of the built environment with the aspirations of our clients.Projects
Full renovation of a family home, exploring the connection between living spaces
The Scenario House, Stoke Newington during NLA Open house event
Starting your London project
London Architects Your London project
Most building projects in London require approval from the local authority. London architects can help you through the process, collaborating with council officials to see through your application. Scenario Architects has successfully steered clients through the permissions stage.
We’ve drawn up an illustrated synopsis to help guide you through the planning process for a London-based renovation, restoration, addition or new-build.
Focal Shift fire place, first project as local architects in Hackney E9
The Scenario house, Hackney during NLA Open house event
2017
Your project
If you’re considering using any architecture firms in London, we’re here to help, whether you’re planning a home renovation, extension or new-build. Most new London architecture projects require planning permission from the local council. We’ve built a successful record securing planning permission for our clients, claiming home advantage across the city. Click here to read our illustrated overview, outlining every stage of the process.If you are thinking about starting an architectural project in London, be it a renovation, or an extension to an existing property or even a new build house we are here to help.
We created a brief and illustrated overview of the process to help you understand what to expect through the various stages of a residential, extension, renovation or new build project in London.
Most projects need planning permission from your local council.
TIP: To find out the actual track record which any architects you may be considering has with your local council, go to the planning application search page on your local council’s website and use the search by agent option.
Tip
Working with Scenario Architecture on your London project
London Architects Your London project
Our boutique studio specialises in residential architecture, offering bespoke services for home additions, renovations and new-builds. Based in Wandsworth, we practice across London and beyond.
A RIBA Chartered Practice, Scenario complies with the UK’s strict health and safety criteria. We collaborate closely with our clients throughout every stage of the process, from the design phase, through planning and construction. We aim to deliver every project on time and on budget.
Our skilled team works with the latest 3D design technology: real-time digital visualisations and virtual reality. We feel they are the most effective and efficient tools for seeing through our work, choosing fittings and simulating natural light.
This Chartered Institute of Building case study features a recent Scenario project, demonstrating the benefits of advanced technologies in designing for the domestic sphere.
Working with Scenario Architecture on your London project
Established in 2007, Scenario Architecture is a boutique architecture studio focused on the high-end residential sector, working extensively throughout and around London. We specialise in every scale and type of domestic project, from interior alterations, through full renovations and refurbishments to new build homes. We offer a full bespoke architecture service tailored to fit your requirements and aspirations.
Our friendly and highly skilled team has the knowledge, experience and expertise necessary to take you step-by-step through the challenging and exciting journey of creating your new home. We will work together with you in close collaboration from initial design, through detail design and planning all the way to tender, construction and successful completion of your project on time and within budget.
Scenario Architecture is an RIBA Chartered Practice, which essentially means that we are compliant with the RIBA (Royal Institute of Chartered Architects) strict criteria, covering insurance, health and safety and quality management systems.
As early adopters of latest technology, we use as a standard for all projects a verity of innovative 3D design and visualisation tools to create and communicate design with our clients. Our experience shows that Real-Time visualisations and Virtual Reality tours are extremely powerful tools to streamline the process of choosing material finishes fixtures and fittings as well as simulating realistic natural light conditions.
When we produce accurate and reliable construction information we use the latest 3D BIM technology, (BIM stands for Building Information Modelling) which means that all project information is derived from a single accurate and coordinated 3D model. Using this cutting-edge technology collaboratively with other consultants as well as contractors has proven to save time and cost for our clients.
A case study featuring one of our projects was published by the Chartered Institute of Building, demonstrating the great benefits of this advanced technology specifically with domestic projects.
Scenario Architecture in London deliver design and architectural expertise for residential projects. We were established in 2007 by Ran Ankory and Maya Carni who both trained with the AA School of Architecture. Scenario have grown to an award-winning team of nine. We have been featured in Dezeen and Elle Decoration UK.
Our highly experienced team of architects Stoke Newington work with clients using innovative 3D and Virtual Reality technology that simulates your new home before the first brick is even laid. This simulation technique allows you to see beautiful scenarios, designed to fit your life. An organic process, it often influences the choice of materials and design methods.
If you are looking for a top architects London, we can help with your project. We are a RIBA Chartered Practice and we operate across the following areas and postal districts: Camden, Dalston, Hackney, Hampstead, Highgate, Haringey, Islington, East London, Knightsbridge, Kensington and Chelsea, Mayfair, Notting Hill, North London, West London, West Hampstead, Shoreditch, Southwark, Stoke Newington, N1, N6, NW3, N16 and E5.
Full-width extension opens to the beautiful garden of this Victorian property
Complete renovation and extension of a family home
A glazed roof draws daylight deep into the plan
Scenario is an established architecture practice focusing on contemporary residential design. We take on projects of every scale and scope, from home refurbishment, renovation and expansions to new-builds.
Victorian renovations are more compassionate today than they’ve ever been, with homeowners striving to preserve architectural elements like decorative cornicing, ceiling roses, skirting boards and dada rails. Sash windows are being replaced by specially made wood reproductions and wood-burning fireplaces recouped after being sealed off for decades. Paint companies like Farrow & Ball have built multinationals out of replicating the de rigueur colours of Victorian times. And new tile ceramicists are bringing back traditional motifs with contemporary silhouettes, for front gardens and foyers. Hardwood floors have made a comeback, with timber salvage and reproduction going strong.
Most renovations focus on transforming the core of the home, and revolutionise the kitchen and bathrooms in the process. To recoup the extra floor area today’s families have become accustomed to, London architects are extending into voids in the lofts and side returns common in Victorians. Small period kitchens can open up into the side return without eradicating period features; in the recovered space, a corner can be reserved for a powder room or utility room. Ditto the loft: pushing up the ceiling and pushing out dormer windows can make new space available for an en suite bathroom.
With extending out into dead space comes the welcoming in of natural light. Upward-facing Velux windows become possible once the upper floor is properly extended and the main floor pushed out beyond the confines of the original footprint. If a second-storey extension is permitted in your plans, an internal void can bring natural light from the top floor downwards, and vice versa.
London Architects In our clients words
We wanted to renovate our house in a conservation area in central London. Given this involved a complete demolition and new build with an extra floor on top, getting planning approval was always going to be tricky. Scenario did an amazing job on the new house 'envelope' and throughout the planning phase. We couldn't have wished for better from them and having succeeded in gaining planning approval owe them a very big 'thank you'. 
Scenario designed a kitchen extension for us, and we are delighted with the results. The process was well organised, planned and delivered, and the whole team were a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend them for their design, planning and project management skills. 
Worked with these guys on the internal development of our office. From start to finish they were great. They got what we wanted first time and really made working with them very easy. Their aftercare has been great too helping us deal with something that they were not involved with in the first place. Will highly recommend them to anyone. See all Google reviews
Working with Scenario Architecture
As a boutique architecture studio, Scenario specialises in high-end residential projects in and around London, offering a truly bespoke architecture service. We take on projects of all scales, from interior remodelling to full renovations and new-build homes. Our highly skilled team will walk you through every stage of your project. We’ll consult with you from the initial drawings through to the design details and guide you through the local planning. We'll also stand by you throughout the construction phase and we’ll see you through the successful completion of your home. We always finish our projects on time and on budget. Scenario is a RIBA Chartered Practice. We adhere to the strict standards of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), meaning that our clients are protected against health and safety measures with quality-management systems. At Scenario, we are early adopters of cutting-edge architectural technology, using innovative 3D design and visualisation tools as a standard on all projects. Our experience shows that real-time visualisations are the most efficient tools for choosing fixtures and fittings, and for simulating natural light. We produce our reliable construction information with 3D building information modelling (BIM) technology. All our project data derives from accurate, coordinated 3D models, and saves our clients time, money and worry. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published this case study featuring a Scenario Architecture project. It demonstrates the benefits of advanced technology for domestic architecture.In our client's words
Dalston is less a defined London territory than it is a neighbourhood of like-minded people. Roughly defined in the west by the A10, the city’s oldest Roman-dug road, it floats between Clapton, Hoxton and Islington. But more than its geographical location, it expresses itself with its liberal, tolerant, international attitude.
The working-class population that first settled here in the 19th-century, rippling out from the Regents Canal, converted farmland into industrial sites and small Victorian cottages. They were joined by immigrants from multiple countries and religions, together building up a modest community outside the confines of the City of London. After a postwar slump, the neighbourhood came alive toward the end of the last century. Artists began settling here, spilling out from Hoxton and Shoreditch, seeking inexpensive post-industrial workspace, artistic freedom and places to exhibit their art. As per the rules of gentrification, young professionals and families followed. They’ve transformed the old warehouses, factories and stables into appealing and spacious homes. And in the brownfields between them, architects have designed experimental contemporary homes, creating housing where none existed while pushing the boundaries of their craft.
Live-work spaces, purpose-built apartment blocks and modern terrace housing have sprung up among the historic brick and contemporary timber constructions, giving the neighbourhood a dynamic and unpredictable character. People of all cultures and brackets live side-by-side, and businesses are popping up to serve them. They combine to make Dalston an area of great potential, for people who seek a multicultural atmosphere and an unconventional lifestyle.
If you’re a fan of heritage housing, look to the streets radiating east off Stoke Newington High Street and Kingsland Road. Streets like Forest Road and Richmond Road, leading to Gayhurst Community School and London Fields, are chock-a-block with tall, broad Victorian family homes and repurposed factories. With the old brick and ironwork maintained, new residents are slowly fixing them up and maximising their potential. Further north, Shacklewell Lane, Sandringham Road and St Marks Rise are attracting new buyers to the grand tree-lined streets. Homes here rise to four storeys, many of them in need of an upgrade. Buyers seeking a fixer-upper, or a tired family home on which to put a personal stamp, would have lots of opportunity here. At the heart of this enclave sits St Marks Dalston, one of the largest neighbourhood churches in the country – larger in area than Southwark Cathedral. Its Gothic rose window and French-inflected tower, built a century ago, dominate the road.
Loft extensions are more of a rule than an exception in Dalston, as are side-return kitchen extensions. Local architects like Scenario are well versed in the expansion and renovation process here, and manoeuvre their designs successfully through the planning and heritage departments. The results are often stripped-back, light-filled versions of the original Victorian architecture, offering vast entertaining spaces and private nooks for growing families.
Further Reading
Transforming Heritage Homes for Modern Living
There was once a conventional wisdom for homeowners: when you bought a house, you conformed to its original architecture. You might update the plumbing and electrics, but the structure itself dictated your choices. Walls stayed in place, and storage was added with armoires rather than building new storage. Our lifestyles have changed, along with our design savvy. Most homeowners now know how a period house can be opened up and converted into contemporary living-spaces without changing the integrity of the structure and façade. However, few of us have the tools to customise a design and carry out the work. In the past, homes had separate kitchens, formal parlours and tucked-away bathrooms, and with countless decorating guides for every style and budget, starting afresh with floor plans was often the norm. That’s where an architect steps in. Just as no two families are alike, every home is unique. An architect becomes the bridge between family and house, working closely with contractors, builders, tradespeople, and suppliers, fostering an ongoing dialogue to ensure every detail comes together seamlessly. It takes a trained practitioner to offer clever solutions for sneaking in storage, an extra toilet or an essential workspace. An experienced eye will also spot where you might need to, say, sacrifice on living space to achieve your dream kitchen, or, just as often, realise that no sacrifice is necessary at all. Architecture firms in London are slowly transforming the urban landscape. The cookie-cutter homes envisioned by builders 150 years ago are quietly evolving behind heritage facades to meet modern lifestyles and specific needs. Kitchens are expanding, now serving multiple purposes — from entertaining to home offices — while separate dining rooms are increasingly folded into the new “Great Room”. Large entertainment units are shrinking, and the focus of the lounge has shifted entirely in just a few years. En suite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes are being cleverly carved out of eaves and cramped bedrooms, alongside spaces dedicated to yoga and meditation. Stairs conceal storage to tame the clutter of small children, and walls now hide appliances that would have been unimaginable half a century ago. An architect understands exactly where and how to integrate these changes into your home, often before you even realise you want or need them. They will also select the ideal materials to bring every detail to life. The result is a home that is entirely unique, a true original.Finding a property you love in London
Finding a property you love in London is already a challenge, but completing the deal and exchanging keys doesn’t mean the process is over. Most London homes have decades, if not centuries, of baggage, and owning one comes with a fair set of constraints, whether you’re planning to renovate, extend, convert or build anew. Urban settings are rife with physical limitations – on top of which you could find yourself in a conservation area. Listed buildings require mountains of paperwork to alter, if you can alter them at all. Buy in a green belt, and you’ll have to respect landscapes, sight lines and your natural surroundings. As an architecture company in London, we can help unlock the potential of your chosen home and its site. Despite the restrictions inherent in London architecture, we can transform your new home with outside-the-box design and strategic planning. Our proven record with period homes across London and beyond ensures a smooth and satisfying process for everyone involved. Connections with neighbourhood planners and fluency with local protocols have steered our creative design, forcing us to reimagine every space respectfully and sympathetically to the environment. Our homes make use of every conceivable nook and cranny, push boundaries to the limits and evolve with our clients’ changing lifestyles. We find space for our clients in lofts, basements, side returns and conservatories in order to breathe new life into old bones. Scenario’s dynamic team works closely with our clients and with one another to find inspired solutions to the challenges facing us today. We incorporate smart-home solutions, home-office capabilities and space for exercise and winding down. Every element is considered for its sustainability. Above all, we offer a range of finishes and fittings that can make a period home seem as fresh as a new-build. We want our clients to wake up every morning wishing to be nowhere else but home.Further Reading
Finding a property you love in London is a challenge. But completing the deal and exchanging the keys don’t mean the process is over. Most London homes have decades, if not centuries, of baggage, and owning one comes with a fair set of constraints, whether you’re planning to renovate, extend, convert or build anew. Urban settings are rife with physical limitations – on top of which you could find yourself in a conservation area. Listed buildings require mountains of paperwork to alter, if you can alter them at all. Buy in a green belt, and you’ll have to respect landscapes, slight lines and your natural surrounds.
As an architecture company in London, we can help unlock the potential of your chosen home and its site. Despite the restrictions inherent in London architecture, we can transform your new home with outside-the-box design and strategic planning. Our proven record with period homes across London and beyond ensures a smooth and satisfying process for everyone involved.
Connections with neighbourhood planners and fluency with local protocols have steered our creative design, forcing us to reimagine every space respectfully and sympathetically to the environment. Our homes make use of every conceivable nook and cranny, push boundaries to the limits and evolve with our clients’ changing lifestyles. We find space for our clients in lofts, basements, side returns and conservatories in order to breathe new life into old bones. Scenario’s dynamic team works closely with our clients and with one another to find inspired solutions to the challenges facing us today. We incorporate smart-home solutions, home-office capabilities, space for exercise and winding down into our floor plans. And every element is considered for its sustainability.
Above all, we offer a range of finishes and fittings that can make a period home seem as fresh as a new-build. We want our clients to wake up every morning wishing to be nowhere else but home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning permission can be one of the major frustrations when it comes to putting together plans and constructing any sort of extension, building, or add-on. A lot of people spend months waiting to find out whether or not their planning permission has been approved. There can be nothing more disappointing than finding out that permission that has not been granted. You then have to make the necessary adjustments and reapply. It can be a long, drawn-out process. This is why a lot of people in the industry and homeowners alike have been delighted to learn that are changes being made when it comes to planning permission in the UK.
What is planning permission?
Before we look at the proposed changes when it comes to planning permission, we first need to establish what this is. In simple terms, planning permission is simply the process of asking whether or not you will be able to carry out certain types of building work. Planning permission will either be refused or granted based on a number of factors. In some cases, planning permission may be granted but it will be subject to some conditions. The main responsibility when it comes to planning permission has been granted to the planning authorities within the local area. In the majority of cases, this will be your local council’s planning department.When do you need planning permission?
There are a number of different reasons why you may require planning permission and requirements can change from area to area, so it is important to keep this in mind when it comes to figuring out whether or not you need planning permission for your home.Generally speaking, you will probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, alter the building’s use, or make a considerable change to the building in question, for example, add on an extension.
To find out whether or not planning permission is going to be required for your specific project, the best thing to do is get in touch with the planning authority at your local council to find out what the requirements are within the local area.
If you choose an architectural firm with care and consideration, planning permission is something that they will account for in their plans. They will help you to bring forward a plan that has a great chance of being approved for planning permission.
It is also good to understand when you will not require planning permission, as this can help you to understand how best to proceed with your project. If projects have permitted development rights, planning permission is not typically needed. Building projects that are going to usually have these sorts of rights include demolition, yet you do need to get this approved via your council, some outdoor advertisements and signs, and industrial warehouses and premises.
There are some other types of projects that may not require planning permission, for instance, any sort of project that is not going to have any impact whatsoever on your neighbours.
Making an appeal against the decision you received
If your planning application has not been accepted, there will typically be reasons why. Most people will make adjustments based on these reasons and then submit a new plan.However, if you feel that the decision is unfair, you may want to consider appealing against it. You can only appeal if your application has been refused or if the application has been granted but you object to the conditions.
You are also able to appeal if the decision was not made within the time frame of eight weeks or 13 weeks for major developments.
Proposed changes with regard to planning permission
Planning for the Future is a white-paper that has been released by The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). This paper has the purpose of attempting to revolutionise England’s planning system and cut the red tape that is in place. There are a number of key elements that will have a big impact when it comes to the planning permission landscape. Below, we will explore this in further detail so that you can get a better understanding of the new plans for planning permission under the current government.One of the main headlines associated with the new planning permission rules is that there are going to be three types of land designated for protection, renewal, and growth. This will come with an outline planning that is granted automatically based on the land that has been allocated for growth. With this, design guides will be implemented, which will be crafted by councils as part of the new council plans. What this means is that some applications will have the potential to be fast tracked. This will be music to the ears of a lot of people, especially those who have experienced delays waiting for planning permission to come through.
What else has the proposal identified as potential areas for improvement and change?
Another promising development is that the white paper has specifically called for councils to identify areas of growth for both custom and self build properties, as well as confirming the exemption that self-builds have with regard to the Community Infrastructure Levy. It is good to see acknowledgement that the planning system has held the industry back for too long and that changes need to be made so that we can move the housing market in the country forward.To conclude, it is important to make sure that you are aware of the latest planning permission requirements before you embark on any build at your property. By working with one of the reputable architecture firms in London, they will be able to make sure that your plans adhere to the latest rules and regulations so that you do not have anything to worry about from a compliance standpoint. This highlights why it is imperative to choose a firm with a lot of care and consideration. You need a company that is going to consider planning permission carefully when putting together the right plans for you.
The Government’s New Plans for Planning Permission in England
Planning permission can be one of the major frustrations when it comes to putting together plans for constructing any sort of extension, building, or add-on. A lot of people spend months waiting to find out whether or not their planning permission has been approved. There is nothing more disappointing than finding out permission has not been granted. You then have to make the necessary adjustments and reapply, which can be a long, drawn-out process. This is why a lot of people in the industry and homeowners alike have been delighted to learn that changes are being made when it comes to planning permission in the UK.What is planning permission?
Before we look at the proposed changes when it comes to planning permission, we first need to establish what this is. In simple terms, planning permission is simply the process of asking whether or not you will be able to carry out certain types of building work. Planning permission will either be refused or granted based on a number of factors. In some cases, planning permission may be granted, subject to some conditions.When do you need planning permission?
There are a number of reasons why you may require planning permission, and these requirements can vary from one area to another. It’s important to keep this in mind when determining whether you need planning permission for your home. Generally speaking, you will probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, alter the building’s use, or make a considerable change to the building in question, for example, add on an extension. To find out whether or not planning permission is going to be required for your specific project, the best thing to do is get in touch with the planning authority at your local council to find out what the requirements are within the local area. If you choose an architectural firm with care and consideration, planning permission is something that they will account for in their plans. They will help you to bring forward a plan with a high chance of being approved for planning permission. It is also good to understand when you won’t require planning permission, as this can help you to understand how best to proceed with your project. If projects have permitted development rights, planning permission is not typically needed. Building projects often include certain permitted development rights, such as demolition, but these must still be approved by your local council. Some projects might not need planning permission, for example, if the work doesn’t affect your neighbours in any way.Making an appeal against the decision you received
If your planning application has not been accepted, there will typically be reasons why. Most people will make adjustments based on these reasons and then submit a new plan. However, if you feel that the decision is unfair, you may want to consider appealing against it. You can only appeal if your application has been refused or if the application has been granted but you object to the conditions. You are also able to appeal if the decision was not made within the time frame of eight weeks or 13 weeks for major developments.Proposed changes with regard to planning permission
Planning for the Future is a white-paper that has been released by The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). This paper has the purpose of attempting to revolutionise England’s planning system and cut the red tape that is in place. There are a number of key elements that will have a big impact when it comes to the planning permission landscape. Below, we will explore this in further detail so that you can get a better understanding of the new plans for planning permission under the current government. One of the main headlines associated with the new planning permission rules is that there are going to be three types of land designated for protection, renewal, and growth. This will come with an outline planning that is granted automatically based on the land that has been allocated for growth. With this, design guides will be implemented, which will be crafted by councils as part of the new council plans. What this means is that some applications will have the potential to be fast tracked. This will be music to the ears of a lot of people, especially those who have experienced delays waiting for planning permission to come through.What else has the proposal identified as potential areas for improvement and change?
Another promising development is that the white paper has specifically called for councils to identify areas for growth, for both custom and self build properties, as well as confirming the exemption that self-builds have in regards to the Community Infrastructure Levy. It is good to see acknowledgement that the planning system has held the industry back for too long and that changes need to be made so that we can move the housing market in the country forward. To conclude, it is important to make sure that you are aware of the latest planning permission requirements before you embark on any build at your property. By working with one of the reputable architecture firms in London, they will be able to make sure that your plans adhere to the latest rules and regulations so that you do not have anything to worry about from a compliance standpoint. This highlights why it is imperative to choose a firm with a lot of care and consideration. You need a company that is going to consider planning permission carefully when putting together the right plans for you.Planning permission can be one of the major frustrations when it comes to putting together plans and constructing any sort of extension, building, or add-on. A lot of people spend months waiting to find out whether or not their planning permission has been approved. There can be nothing more disappointing than finding out that permission that has not been granted. You then have to make the necessary adjustments and reapply. It can be a long, drawn-out process. This is why a lot of people in the industry and homeowners alike have been delighted to learn that are changes being made when it comes to planning permission in the UK.
What is planning permission?
Before we look at the proposed changes when it comes to planning permission, we first need to establish what this is. In simple terms, planning permission is simply the process of asking whether or not you will be able to carry out certain types of building work. Planning permission will either be refused or granted based on a number of factors. In some cases, planning permission may be granted but it will be subject to some conditions. The main responsibility when it comes to planning permission has been granted to the planning authorities within the local area. In the majority of cases, this will be your local council’s planning department.When do you need planning permission?
There are a number of different reasons why you may require planning permission and requirements can change from area to area, so it is important to keep this in mind when it comes to figuring out whether or not you need planning permission for your home.Generally speaking, you will probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, alter the building’s use, or make a considerable change to the building in question, for example, add on an extension.
To find out whether or not planning permission is going to be required for your specific project, the best thing to do is get in touch with the planning authority at your local council to find out what the requirements are within the local area.
If you choose an architectural firm with care and consideration, planning permission is something that they will account for in their plans. They will help you to bring forward a plan that has a great chance of being approved for planning permission.
It is also good to understand when you will not require planning permission, as this can help you to understand how best to proceed with your project. If projects have permitted development rights, planning permission is not typically needed. Building projects that are going to usually have these sorts of rights include demolition, yet you do need to get this approved via your council, some outdoor advertisements and signs, and industrial warehouses and premises.
There are some other types of projects that may not require planning permission, for instance, any sort of project that is not going to have any impact whatsoever on your neighbours.
Making an appeal against the decision you received
If your planning application has not been accepted, there will typically be reasons why. Most people will make adjustments based on these reasons and then submit a new plan.However, if you feel that the decision is unfair, you may want to consider appealing against it. You can only appeal if your application has been refused or if the application has been granted but you object to the conditions.
You are also able to appeal if the decision was not made within the time frame of eight weeks or 13 weeks for major developments.
Proposed changes with regard to planning permission
Planning for the Future is a white-paper that has been released by The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). This paper has the purpose of attempting to revolutionise England’s planning system and cut the red tape that is in place. There are a number of key elements that will have a big impact when it comes to the planning permission landscape. Below, we will explore this in further detail so that you can get a better understanding of the new plans for planning permission under the current government.One of the main headlines associated with the new planning permission rules is that there are going to be three types of land designated for protection, renewal, and growth. This will come with an outline planning that is granted automatically based on the land that has been allocated for growth. With this, design guides will be implemented, which will be crafted by councils as part of the new council plans. What this means is that some applications will have the potential to be fast tracked. This will be music to the ears of a lot of people, especially those who have experienced delays waiting for planning permission to come through.
What else has the proposal identified as potential areas for improvement and change?
Another promising development is that the white paper has specifically called for councils to identify areas of growth for both custom and self build properties, as well as confirming the exemption that self-builds have with regard to the Community Infrastructure Levy. It is good to see acknowledgement that the planning system has held the industry back for too long and that changes need to be made so that we can move the housing market in the country forward.To conclude, it is important to make sure that you are aware of the latest planning permission requirements before you embark on any build at your property. By working with one of the reputable architecture firms in London, they will be able to make sure that your plans adhere to the latest rules and regulations so that you do not have anything to worry about from a compliance standpoint. This highlights why it is imperative to choose a firm with a lot of care and consideration. You need a company that is going to consider planning permission carefully when putting together the right plans for you.