Planning & Design

EXTENSIONS - LOFTS - GARAGE CONVERSIONS

FREE CONSULTATION

Working with planning authorities across Essex, Kent & Suffolk including:

Planning Applications
Hastings & Eastbourne

For Home Extensions, Loft Conversions & Garage Conversions

CAD Design is a specialist in planning and design for home extensions, loft and garage conversions. We provide a cost effective service across Essex and Kent for home owners that are looking to develop their properties to gain more living space.

Free Consultation
At Your Home Or Business
Advise on best solution to meet your requirements
Site survey, measurements and initial scope of works
Transparent Fixed Price Costing for our professional fees
Advise on expected third party costings
FAQ's
Planning
Local authority approval
Initial liaison with planning officer to discuss design feasibility
Develop draft plans for review and sign off by you
Submit plans and completed planning application to local authority
Liaise with planning and you for any amendments inclusively
FAQ's
Building Regs
Local authority acceptance
Provide structural calculations & detailed drawings for local authority approval
Liaise with local building inspector for queries / amendments
Obtain third party permissions (i.e. utility point moves / party wall agreements)
Approved documents for builders to quote against on a like for like basis
FAQ's
Floor Plan Design
Domestic & Commercial
We provide an accurate floor plans service for estate agents and private residents
For the commercial sector we provide environmental HSE floor plans / emergency evacuation routes
We provide lease plans for landlords and property management companies
Plans for premises governed by the licensing act
FAQ's

Our Recent Work

“ Testimonials ”

HOME EXTENSION

We were delighted with the service provided by CAD Design. The whole process was stress free from start to finish and most importantly was completed on budget.
Kay & John, Chelmsford

GARAGE EXTENSION

We needed to create some office space and Graham was able to advise us on the best cost & space efficient solution. Planning was achieved without a hitch and we are delighted with the results.
Joan & Ian, Southend

LOFT CONVERSION

We could not be happier with our loft conversion after consulting with CAD Design. Extending at the rear of the property was not an option for us, but now we have the perfect solution.
Brian & Audrey, Colchester

About Us

Graham Waller

Director

Graham Waller is a qualified structural and civil designer with a career spanning over 40 years. Notable projects have included working on the Thames Barrier Project with Rendel, Palmer & Tritton Consulting Engineers and working on the Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Graham Upston

Associate

Graham Upston is also a qualified structural and civil designer, again spanning over 40 years. His area of speciality is designing reinforced structures from multi storey civil amenities through to high rise commercial structures throughout the UK.

Our Passion

With Architecture and construction having been part of our lives for so long, we never get bored of designing or being part of a new structure.

Our passion for Buildings is shared not only as work colleagues but also as great friends for over 40 years.

Graham and I at CAD Design, want to give you the best service and end result that we can and provide you with something you will be truly happy with. We treat all Projects with the same attention to detail no matter how big or small; always getting our full commitment.

Fully Insured

All works are fully insured up to a value £2m for public liability.

CAD Design work closely with Chelmsford Fencing for commercial and domestic fencing.

Some of the planning authorities we have successfully worked with

FAQ’s

The Consultation

How much will it cost us for the consultation?

Nothing for the consultation it is free service and friendly advice to see what you want and if a planning application is possible. Our planning application consultants are in Hastings and Chelmsford and we can arrange a time convenient to you for a home visit.

How long will the consultation take?

Firstly we would discuss what you would like to achieve, and see if it is possible. From here we would carry out a survey which would probably total 1 to 1 and a half hours. (dependent on one or two storey).

Will you be able to give us a price for the planning application when you visit?

Yes, we have a standard charge for single storey, garage and loft conversions which is on our website – £849. This would only change if you require a double storey extension or multiple extensions i.e. Single storey and Loft. The additional cost would be £345. We will also advise on the Planning department fees, which are separate, and currently run at £172.

Will we get an idea of the entire cost of the project?

This is what we aim to achieve. Our professional fees are transparent and fixed once we have agreed the scope of work. We will then be able to advise on third party costs that can include approximate estimates for the build costs. In this way, you will have a realistic estimate of the costs for the complete project.

Building Regs

What are the Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations are legal requirements that apply to building work and are aimed at achieving minimum standards of construction to ensure the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They are also concerned with energy conservation and with access and facilities for disabled people. Approval under the Building Regulations is entirely separate from the process of obtaining Planning Permission.

When is Building Regulations approval required?

Building Regulations approval will usually be required if you intend to carry out any of the following work:-

Build a new building
Build an extension or form a room in the roof space (loft conversion).
Carry out structural alterations to an existing building, including forming a through lounge or removing chimney breasts etc.
Change the use of an existing building – such as converting a house into flats.
Provision, extension or alteration of drainage facilities – such as a new bathroom or toilet.
Recovering a roof structure (in certain circumstances).

What is the difference between "Full Plans" and "Building Notice" applications?

A “Full Plans” application is the most common way to make a Building Regulations application. For a “Full Plans” application we will require full drawings and a detailed specification, as a decision will be made based upon checking the plans. The authority has up to 8 weeks to Approve, Conditionally Approve, or Reject an application. A “Building Notice” application can be made for smaller works, although no formal prior Approval is given. All aspects of work will be agreed on site at the time of construction. Please note that we may still ask for various details prior to commencement on site for “Building Notice” applications as required.

How much is Building Control or Building Notice fees?

As this varies for so many different things here is a link to the Building Control Charges page on the Chelmsford City Council website.

Planning

Do we need Planning permission?

Under permitted development of domestic extensions for rear extensions to terrace and semi detached was 3m and 4m for Detached properties. However, up until 30th May 2016, it may be possible to extend beyond the rear wall up to 6m for terrace and semi detached and 8m for detached. The increase in length is dependent of other factors and local planning department discretion.

How long does a planning application take?

Normally within eight weeks from depositing submission. We work have experience of working with many planning authorities that include Hastings and many other across East Sussex.

Can I make a planning application if I don’t yet own the property?

Yes you can. We will complete certificate B on the planning application form and serve notice on the owner of the property.

How do we apply for planning?

You don’t. We act as your agent and do the application for you and deal with the local Planning Department on your behalf.

Can I view the status of our application during the process.

Yes it is possible to track your application status during the application process via the Planning Portal of your local Council. We will assist you to show you where and how to do this.

What if we want to make a minor amendment during the application period?

This can be done and we can re-submit the drawings stating this is a revision to the existing drawing. However, you will receive from us a final draft for approval before submitting to the council.

What happens when I get planning approval?

As your agent we will be sent a decision notice. These can include certain conditions and need to be adhered to in order to conform to the granting of the planning application. A full list of conditions used in each decision is in the officer’s report and also attached to every decision notice It is important to remember to discharge your conditions before you start your development. If you do not do this, the development will be unauthorised and the local Council may consider taking enforcement action.

What happens if we are refused planning permission?

We try to liaise with the planning department during the 8 week period to get a feel of how they view the application. If they raise concerns about minor points, we will speak with yourselves to see if we can modify the proposal to fall in line with the department. Any minor amendments are carried out by us, free of charge. If your application has been refused, the decision notice will set out the reasons why the application has been refused. The decision notice will also tell you how you can appeal against the refusal of planning permission. If your application has been refused we will speak to the Local Council as there may be changes you / we can make to the proposal to make it acceptable.

There is an opportunity to appeal directly to the Secretary of State who have the power to review and overturn local council decisions.

Contact

GJW Design Limited, Head Office, Foxglove Cottage, Battle Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JH

Call our Hastings Office on 01580 881370
Email us on [email protected]
Registered in England & Wales:
Company No.: 08708529

Request Callback

Planning Applications
Hastings & Eastbourne

Our Recent Work

“ Testimonials ”

About Us

Graham Waller

Graham Upston

Our Passion

Some of the planning authorities we have successfully worked with

FAQ’s

The Consultation

Building Regs

Planning

Contact

We have managed planning applications to:

The Legal Stuff

Categories

Planning Applications Hastings & Eastbourne

Our Recent Work

“ Testimonials ”

About Us

Graham Waller

Graham Upston

Our Passion

Some of the planning authorities we have successfully worked with

FAQ’s

The Consultation

Building Regs

Planning

Contact

We have managed planning applications to:

The Legal Stuff

Categories

Our Cookie Policy

Planning Applications
Hastings & Eastbourne