Blog
Planning and regulations advice
Plain English guidance on planning permission, permitted development, building regulations, party walls and conservation areas in Surrey.
Latest articles
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Building in a Surrey conservation area: lofts and extensions
Surrey has many conservation areas, from town centres to village greens. Here is how they change what you can build, and how to design a loft or extension that gets approved.
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Extending a bungalow upwards: loft conversion or a new first floor?
Going up can double the space in a bungalow without losing any garden. Here are the two main ways to do it, and how to choose between them.
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Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion in Surrey?
Most loft conversions in Surrey can be built under permitted development, but conservation areas, flats and larger dormers change the rules. Here is how to tell which route applies to your home.
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Converting your garage: what is possible and what approvals you need
A garage is often the easiest extra room in the house. Here is what a conversion involves, when planning permission is needed and what building regulations cover.
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Party wall agreements explained for Surrey homeowners
Lofts and extensions on terraced and semi detached houses often fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Here is when it applies, what notice you need to give and how the process works.
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Building regulations for loft conversions: what building control checks
Even when a loft conversion does not need planning permission, it always needs building regulations approval. Here is what building control looks at, and why it matters for your home.
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House extension permitted development: what you can build without planning permission
Many single storey rear extensions can be built without a planning application. Here are the permitted development limits, the larger extension route, and when you will need full planning permission.
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