Most new developments need planning permission. The basic rule is that planning permission is required for new buildings, major alterations and enlargements of existing buildings. Planning permission may also be required when the use of a whole building is changed or the use of land is changed.

On the most part planning permission is not required for basic garage conversions but is required for most types of extension. If you are unsure as to whether planning permission is needed we can advise you at time of survey.

There is also lots of help through www.planningportal.gov.uk/

Building Regs

The Building Regulations apply to building work in England and Wales and set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health and safety of people in or about those buildings.  The regulations also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings.

Building Regulations approval is granted by building control officers from you local authority, they are generally separate from planning officials so this becomes a separate issue from planning permission.

As part of our service we will apply for building regulations on your behalf and the relevant fees are included within our written quotation. Once approval has been granted and work started, we will liaise with the local building inspector and arrange for site visits at various stages of work. After completion of work we will ensure a completion certificate is issued in your name and is sent direct to you from your local building control officer.

You can read more about building regulations and can even locate your local authority by visiting www.labc.uk.com

Gas and Central Heating

All gas and central heating installations in your home should be completed by suitably qualified and GasSafe registered engineers. Alfred Gabbitas will never comprise on this golden rule and therefore all of our engineers are both qualified and registered.

As with other approvals we are more than happy to do the form filling to ensure you receive all the certification associated with this type of work.