House extension design and planning

[mickthetree]

Morning all

We are getting very close to completing on our next house. 1950s 2 bed bungalow. We plan on converting the attic and extending sideways and backwards.

Read umpteen rules and regs of what we can and cant do, but it seems that the best thing to do is get some drawings so it is clear for all to see what is proposed. It should all fit in within permitted.

As usual we're on a shoestring budget to do the works so I'm starting by preparing the drawings. My dad did his for their extension some 15 years ago which we fine for full planning permission, but I've put something together in sketchup, but I'm struggling with the finer aspects of this.

Are there any other packages anyone knows are better for setting out plans for an extension? Or would traditional pen and paper be best?

Plans include a new roof, rear 3mx3m extension and a side 3mx15m extension. Very excited, but need to get the ball rolling....

 

[whiskywill]

I use Autocad every day but to get a legitimate package costs a lot of money. They offer a free student version including their architecture package, which might be worth trying. http://cad.about.com/od/Personal_CAD/tp ... ckages.htm
I had a quick go at their architecture software many years ago and it had many standard symbols and includes clever things to prevent you contravening buiding regulations by putting a door or window opening too close to a return, for example.

 

[Sheffield Tony]

Having recently seen my neighbour's planning application, something drawn by hand on the back of a *** packet might just suffice. Now for building control, that is (hopefully) another matter.

 

[Jacob]

....
Are there any other packages anyone knows are better for setting out plans for an extension? Or would traditional pen and paper be best?

Pencil and paper even better. Pen is only for finished drawings being prepared for printing, presentation, etc. after you have done everything with pencil. You may not need to use pens if your pencil work is clear enough.
You can always translate it into Sketchup etc if you really want to.
Planners and BCO won't demand professional standards of drawing as long as the information is clear and easy enough to read.

 

[whiskywill]

Planning approval is only concerned with such things as size, position, aspect, use and choice/colour of materials and a back of an envelope sketch with descriptions is adequate. Building control ensures that you build in accordance with the building regulations. You don't have to produce any plans for building control approval if you know what you are doing and are sure you can comply with building regulations. You can issue a building notice and the local authority will appoint an inspector to oversee the work. He is able to order you to correct it if it doesn't comply with the regulations.

 

[mickthetree]

Thanks very much for the suggestions and clarity chaps!!

 

[Lons]

Planning approval is only concerned with such things as size, position, aspect, use and choice/colour of materials and a back of an envelope sketch with descriptions is adequate. Building control ensures that you build in accordance with the building regulations. You don't have to produce any plans for building control approval if you know what you are doing and are sure you can comply with building regulations. You can issue a building notice and the local authority will appoint an inspector to oversee the work. He is able to order you to correct it if it doesn't comply with the regulations.

+1

You might find that building control ask for plans as it makes their job easier but you don't need them because you are entitled to do the work under building notice. It will still be subject to the same inspections and regulations. If there is structural steel involved however they are entitled to request the size and loading calculations.

+1 also regarding planning drawings though I wouldn't recommend the back of a *** packet approach. I used to teach architectural drawing at a local college a good few years back and the Autocad method is the one all the pros are familiar with and tyherefore the best method if possible. For most people it would take far too long to get to grips with the software to be worthwhile, in my case I've forgotten and all my drawings are produced quickly by hand these days.
Draw to scale if possible and it's wise to provide as much information as possible regarding colour, type and size of materials as they will need to be sure it will "fit in". You can get over a lot of problems by adding the phrase "similar to existing"! The planning forms should be adequate but I always make notes on the drawings as well.
It's highly unlikely the work you propose comes within permitted development and will certainly need full planning approval.

Bob

 

[RogerS]

Does your planning department or building control have 'surgeries'? Ours does....brilliant system...free advice...you can run ideas past them and get feedback yay/nay especially planning.

Should point out that I am talking about Herefordshire....

 

[mickthetree]

Thanks guys - If a surgery is offered I would jump at the chance, but all I've read on their websites so far say you have to pay to even talk to someone! I'll do some further investigation on that though.

I'm going to get the paper and pencils out to start with then and get some scale drawings of existing and proposed. As a start, this should clarify whether it will require full planning application.

Not sure I'll manage a full WIP but I'll add some bits as I go