Frequently Asked Questions

You will need planning permission if you want to:

1. Build something new.
2. Make a change to a building such as adding an extension.
3. Change the use of a building.

You may not need to apply for planning permission if your project falls under permitted development, such as a small rear extension or a loft conversion.  In these cases, you need to apply for a certificate of lawfulness.

Permitted development allows you to extend your home without applying for planning permission.  The criteria is the increase in size being within certain perimeters. Instead, we apply to the Local Planning Authority for a certificate of lawfulness which is cheaper, and quicker.

There are several types of planning application and permissions.  Householder applications for most works to a single dwelling; full planning permission for a new building, change of use, commercial projects or major works to a site; listed building consent for works to a listed building and outline planning permission for larger schemes such as finding out if a plot of land can have houses on it.

Once you have your design drawings the process takes 6-8 weeks for standard applications after validation.  We act as your planning agent throughout the process.

Planning is the planning process to gain permission from the local planning authority. This is for the impact your proposal will have on the property and the surrounding area, and the design of the scheme.

Building Control are the second authority that deal with the actual construction of your project, and building regulations act is the legal process that you must adhere to.  A good set of building regulation drawings will ensure you have all the details covered for your builder, and for the building control officer that will come and inspect the works.

Yes, a good set of detailed construction plans will enable tradesmen to quote accurately on your project.  They are an investment and will save you time and money.  For this reason, most people include them into their build cost.

We have a 98% track record of approvals, but if your scheme is not supported by the planning department you will be given the opportunity to withdraw and re assess, or you can appeal against a refusal to the secretary of state.

EDS work proactively to ensure that your project is in line with the planning permission criteria, so we always work on an approval for you.

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.  You do not have any permitted development rights and planning permission is needed to do works to your home, add gates, walls or fencing, and to demolish any aspect of your site.

If your property is in a conservation area then in some circumstances you may need additional consent to carry out works which involve demolition of a building or gates, fences, walls or railings.  EDS will ensure that you have everything in place for your planning application.

No, you can have a quote to take care of the planning application first and then follow up with the building regulations afterwards.

We do offer a package price for planning and building regulations for most common projects – such as a single storey extensions, as they are straightforward and you save time and money this way.

For more bespoke projects, and for clients that want to take things slower, we will always split the 2, with no obligation to continue after planning permission is gained.