FREELANCE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN
Covering all of Sussex
Other Services
To get your building off the ground you might need other approvals or services
from other consultants
​
Apart from getting the required Planning and Building Regulations consent there are some other considerations that we will try to guide you through. Some things we can not carry out on your behalf but will point you in the right direction.
PARTY WALL AGREEMENT
A party wall is the shared wall, usually between a terrace or semi-detached house, and divides the homes of two separate owners. It also includes garden walls built over a boundary and excavations close to a neighbour’s property (within 3m or 6m, depending on the depth of the new foundations).
Party Wall Agreements between neighbours are most commonly needed for loft conversions and extensions which require the insertion of steel supports, a damp proof course and/or digging of new foundations. This is a legal requirement not to be confused with Planning or Building Regulations.
Party Wall
Template Form
DRAINS, DO YOU NEED PREMISSION TO MOVE OR CONNECT INTO ONE?
If your drains are likely to be affected in any way it's a good idea to find out where your drains run, from downloading a drainage map at a cost of £30 or you might find one in your title deeds.
If a map does not show your drains your next step will be to get a CCTV drainage survey.
Both of these steps will help to determine whether you need permission from either Building Control or the Water Authority to make any changes or build over or near to a sewer.
It will also assist with designing the drainage runs for your builder as the depth will be measured during a CCTV drainage survey.
Sample Drainage Map
DO I NEED A PLANNING CONSULTANT?
Most home improvement projects do not require a Planning Consultant, however Planning Consultants have an expert knowledge of policy and regulations and can therefore play a vital role in obtaining permission for projects with complex needs such as new build developments or Listed Buildings or development in Conservation Areas/Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Consultants can also offer expert insight on how best to approach a project to achieve the desired outcome.
Employing a consultant will not guarantee you approval, but it will significantly increase your application’s chance of success.
WHY DO I NEED A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?
Structural Engineer's are integral to building or altering a structure that won't fall down!
You will need a structural engineer when carrying out a renovation or making changes to your home that could affect the stability of your property such as knocking down walls, building a loft conversion or extension. Essentially, any project that alters the structure of the building or requires Building Control approval will require a structural engineer who will provide expertise on foundation design, steel and timber sizes and provide complex calculations for Building Control approval.
ECOLOGY & TREE SURVEYS
Some sites, particularly in rural settings will require deeper investigation and reports with regard to environmental factors to aid the protection of valuable trees/plants and wildlife habitats. This is normally a requirement at the Planning stage of a project.
An "ecology report" is a simple way of saying that you need to get some expert advice on the ecological impacts of your proposed development. The usual service for small developments is a "Phase 1 ecological survey", which involves a site visit followed by a report that you can submit to with your planning application. You may also be requested to provide this information after you have submitted your application, which can be carried out retrospectively.
