Building Regulations Archives - Planning Design Ltd

Building regulations

13th February 202325th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

We are pleased to be able to say we have been granted building regulations approval for two projects. The first being a barn conversion forming an extension to a dwelling, dealing with the complications caused by insulating solid walls and turning a space not designed for living in, into a comfortable dwelling extension. The second being a stone extension to a traditional dwelling in North Derbyshire where careful consideration was required to ensure the proposed roof structure worked alongside a complicated existing structure.

Understanding Building Regulations

Building regulations are a key set of guidelines and standards that all the vast majority of construction projects within the United Kingdom must comply with. These regulations cover a wide range of issues; including fire safety, energy efficiency and accessibility, ensuring that all buildings are safe, somewhat energy efficient and fit for purpose.

It is essential for clients to understand the importance of building regulations and to work closely with their architects to ensure that their construction projects meet all the necessary standards. Compliance with building regulations not only ensures safety and accessibility, but it can also lead to cost savings in the long run for the client, by making the property more energy efficient. It is worth noting that the energy efficiency standards set by UK building regulations should be taken as minimums and not a target.

Finally, it’s important to take into account that not having building regulations approval can make it difficult to sell a property and will certainly negatively impact its value.

In summary, building regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility of buildings in the UK. Compliance with these regulations can bring financial benefits to the client and end user and it is crucial for clients to carefully consider how their project will comply with building regulations when planning out their own projects.

Here at Planning & Design Practice we can take care of your own construction projects, all the way through from the first planning appraisal to the completed projects sign off. This would be done with the help from our team of Chartered Town Planners, RIBA registered Architects and Architectural Technologists, ensuring that planning, design & technical details are all professionally handled from the very beginning of your project.

For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Planning consent for Derbyshire bungalow

29th November 202212th January 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd were delighted to receive planning consent for the erection of a single bungalow within the attractive village of Doveridge, in Derbyshire. The site comprises an extensive, pleasantly situated orchard on a quiet lane within this sleepy village, with good transport links and in close proximity to both Derby and Uttoxeter.

The two-bedroom bungalow has been designed to meet Building Regulation Part M(4)3 Standards, suitable for wheelchair users, incorporating a number of features within the design to assist those with mobility issues, resulting in a home of elegant proportions and generous room sizes. The dwelling’s principal rooms have fine views over the surrounding meadowland, whilst the extensive landscaped garden and wraparound sun terrace benefits from south and east facing aspects.

Planning & Design engaged proactively with the planning authority to design a dwelling of high quality, informed by site context and congruous to the character of the surrounding area. Utilising good facing brick with considered elements of render, a clay plain tile roof and high-quality joinery, the structure will assimilate within its mature setting. Consent was granted in December 2020 and we look forward to progressing with the construction phase.

Looking for your dream home? Our team of experienced professionals work with home owners on a daily basis to provide the technical knowledge, design ideals & relevant expertise to help guide you through what can be a daunting process.

We are passionate about good architecture, believing it can add value and enhance people’s lives.

Our approachable and experienced team comprises RIBA Chartered Architects, architectural assistants, designers and technicians. Our architects have true international expertise having worked on large scale projects in Russia, Germany, Spain and the United States as well as across the UK.

For more information, and a free half an hour consultation to discuss your project, please contact us.

Building Regulations approval – Understanding the importance

16th March 202011th March 2020 by Gary Stringer

At Planning & Design Practice we identified that the most commonly asked question post planning approval is “I have Planning Permission, why do I need Building Regulations approval as well?”

Building Regulations were first introduced in 1848 under the Public Health Act, ensuring that damp conditions, fire risks, sanitary conditions, ventilation and light levels were kept to an appropriate standard. In 1936, new legislation was introduced. However, under this legislation each regional council were able to enforce their own standards. In 1952, a set of mandatory national measures was introduced. In this edition structural requirements and material performance was also considered. Following this, in 1961 a new set of Building Regulations for England and Wales was included in the Public Health Act; however, it wasn’t until February 1966 that these were implemented by law.

So why did Building Regulations get put into place? Quite simply, Building Regulations are implemented to ensure safety and well-being of people inside and around buildings. More recently, due to changes in climate, further regulations were put in place to improve energy efficiency, enhance the surrounding environment and promote sustainable design and construction. All Building Regulation matters are dealt with by a separate governing body post planning approval rather than the Planning Authority who will have initially granted the planning permission.

Drawings are developed further post planning approval to provide all the required drawings demonstrating that Building Regulation standards are achieved and that structural & building services are further refined allowing for any specialist subcontractors design to be carried out. Building Regulations cover every aspect of the construction, from foundations and floor build up, right up to the thermal efficiency of the insulation used in the roof so that it meets the required specifications. Once these principles are established construction details can then be developed further.

Here at Planning & Design, we know how important Building Regulations are in the lead to a great performing extension or home. That’s why we take satisfaction in taking a project through all stages, from concept to completion.

In a nutshell, an informed design will lead to saving time and money.

Daryl Sanders, Architectural Assistant, Planning & Design Practice

Construction underway on new dwelling in Kirk Langley

19th August 20197th June 2019 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice had the pleasure of designing, achieving planning permission, and obtaining building regulations approval, for a two-bedroom bungalow in the grounds of a property in Kirk Langley, Derbyshire.

The proposed materials are in keeping with the local vernacular, utilising stone headers and sills and traditional red brick to give the site frontage a traditional feel, whilst utilising more contemporary styling including large floor to ceiling aluminium framed windows and doors to the rear of the property. The addition of a large apex window to the living area will create a large open, naturally lit living space and incorporate Biophilic principles to help solidify the attachment to the countryside. This will also flood the kitchen/diner with natural light.

The construction stage is now underway and the building will soon start to take shape.

Fire Stopping and Part B of Building Regulations

19th June 20238th May 2019 by Gary Stringer

Not long ago the BBC published an article on fire stopping or more the lack there of that had been found in properties built by one of the Nation’s largest domestic house developers. This comes as a surprise to some but unfortunately not too many. Developers have been scrutinised for many years for cutting corners and developing poor quality estates, all over the UK.

Essentially, the fire stopping had over 50 cases either not been installed, or installed to an unacceptable standard. Without even taking into consideration that Building Regulations are there to save lives and make buildings safe, these are some of the most important features of a home. When you have divisions between floors, or ownership, in a Semi-detached house for instance, these features are what save the overall building from completely being lost to fire. Fire stopping is installed between the party walls and the roof so that the fire is slowed or stopped from passing from property to property. You can imagine how disastrous this could be on a street of Terraces.

Whether the original plans had accounted properly for the separations and fire safety, I will never know. If you deal with reputable and competent designers and engineers, your plans will always account for the correct and most up to date standards where safety is concerned. Building Regulations can be long drawn out processes and drafting drawings for your extension or new build may feel like a long waiting game, but we take our time to keep you safe and design top specification homes and businesses.

Construction underway on new bunglow in Kirk Langley

12th December 20224th September 2018 by Gary Stringer

The construction stage is now underway and the building will soon start to take shape.

We believe that good design is a crucial part of the planning process. Getting the design of a project right is critical to gaining a successful planning consent and avoiding unnecessary delay and costs.

An RIBA Chartered Practice, our approachable and experienced team is comprised of architects, architectural assistants, designers and technicians, who offer a comprehensive design service from concept through to completion.

We can help you to establish your brief and work through your design ideas, whilst bringing solutions to make your building a successful place to live or work in, and have a wealth of experience working with homeowners, developers and the public sector.

For more information, or for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property please contact us on 01332 347371.