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Planning Permission & Building Tips
» Coventry, Leicester

Securing planning permission can be a daunting prospect for homeowners and landlords, but here at Evolution Design & Build we have published a basic guide of things to be aware of.

What is Planning Permission?

Planning permission is simply the consent required from your local planning authority – usually the local council - to legally alter a property or construct a new one. They will then decide whether your project can go ahead.

There are two types of permission: Full Planning Permission and Outline Permission. An outline application is less detailed and can be used to test the water with your council’s planning department before full permission is sought.

When is Permission needed?

Permission is required for many building projects, depending on the circumstances. This includes extensions, alterations and garage builds, as well as changing the external appearance of your home or business premises.

If you do not own the property, or are part-owner, you will also need to secure the permission of the owner or partner before work can commence.

Not all building work will require planning approval however, where the effect of the work on neighbouring properties is minimal. These are called Permitted Development Rights.

Permission is also required for development planning, where a plot of land is earmarked for construction. Where you intend to change the use of the land or a building permission will also need to be sought.

How do I apply for Planning Permission?

Here at Evolution Design & Build we can advise you further on all of these matters, and will offer guidance before you apply for planning permission.

You can apply online, via the Planning Portal website, who will then forward your application to your local planning authority. Alternatively, you can apply directly by post to the planning department of your local council.

Do I need Planning Permission to build a new garage?

Potentially yes. There is a lot of legislation regarding garage construction, and depending on the end use and size of the area you may need planning permission.

You may need planning consent if your proposed garage:

Will be within five metres of your home

Is nearer to the road than the structure of your home

Will be higher than 3m, or 4m where there is an Apex roof

Will take up more than half of the area of land around your dwelling

Is to be used for commercial use

Typically planning permission is granted or denied within a 6-8 week period, depending on the planning authority and time of year.

Building Tips

tickThe Guild of Master Craftsmen

There are many handy building tips - however most importantly ensure you contract a firm of builders that is a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. With so many cowboys and rogue traders out there, it can be difficult to find a reliable and professional team that will get the job done on time and without any ‘hidden costs’.

A Guild of Master Craftsmen registered company will have been rigorously tested to ensure their standards are of the highest calibre. Only when the committee is satisfied that a member can rightly be called a ‘master craftsman’ will they be accepted into the Guild.

At Evolution Design & Build we are proud of our membership of the Guild, and are continuing to update our working practises to ensure we stay ahead of the game.

Areas We Cover

Based in the Midlands will offer our Building services to all areas including:

our services

  • Extensions
  • Commercial & domestic building
  • Loft Conversions
  • High-class carpentry & joinery
  • Conservatories
  • uPVC windows
  • Renovations & refurbishments
  • Property Development
  • Plumbing & Electrical Contracts
  • General Maintenance & Repair
  • Office refurbishments