News
Changes to Building Regulations
There have been some changes to Building Regulations that will affect both new build developments/conversion and domestic extensions.
Some of these changes relate to Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations Approved document.
There are new U values that must be achieved in existing dwellings which are:
Roof 0.15 W/m²K
Wall 0.18 W/m²K
Floor 0.18 W/m²K
Windows 1.40 W/m²K
Rooflights 2.20 W/m²K
Doors with >60% of internal face glazed 1.40 W/m²K
Planning Portal service charge
From the 1st April 2021, The Planning Portal service charge will increase to £23.33 + VAT.
Regulations for rear openings on properties.
As many people wish to extend their homes, we are often asked what size of opening can be achieved when removing the rear wall of the house. There seems to be an issue of consistency between the various Building Control departments and also private Building Control companies. Therefore please see below some main points when considering the removal of existing rear walls to accommodate a steel support beam for a rear extension.
The generally acceptable minimum return length of existing brickwork for stability is 650mm. A return below this figure may require a framed beam and/or lateral force calculations from a structural engineer.
The permissible opening size in without the requirement for a steel framed beam is 3m. Please refer to Part A of the Approved Documents for Building Regulations for further detail.
The maximum size for an opening under current Part A Building Regulations is determined by the following calculation.
Width of house x 2/3. For example of your home is 7m wide the calculation would be. 7 x 2 = 14. 14/3 = 4.6m opening.
Please note that you may request a larger opening then the permitted sizes as per the above points, however as with all aspects of design this will be for Building Control to agree to. We at Frontier Architecture Ltd have designed many extensions with openings larger than these standards however steel framed beams are required.
Permitted Development for adding two storeys
From the 1st September 2020 new legislation has come in to effect that allows properties to be extended by 2 storeys upwards under permitted development. Please click the link below for a concise explanation of the regulations.
https://urbanistarchitecture.co.uk/extending-houses-upwards/
Winter Break
Frontier Architecture Ltd will continue to operate until the 23rd December 2020. Please note that the last date for site consultations will be 17th December 2020, with site measures continuing until the 23rd December 2020. Frontier Architecture Ltd will reopen on the 11th January 2021.
*Please note that the dates stated above are based on current regulations related to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandmemic. Should further restrictions come in we will of course do everything we can to adapt and make appointments and continue our service where possible.
Coronavirus - Appointments.
Due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus and in accordance with formal advice provided, we are still happy to carry out site inspections in person. However, if you or other people whom may be present at the time of any appointment are showing any symptoms please be so kind as to reschedule our appointment. We will be as flexible as possible to account for the ongoing situation and are also happy to carry out phone or email consultations.
Planning Portal application fees change.
From the 1st August 2019 The Planning Portal will be changing their fee structure. Applications with a planning application fee under £60 will no longer be liable for the £20 processing fee. All other applications will be subject to an increased service charge of £20.83 + VAT
For more information click here.
Neighbour Consultation Scheme (Larger Extensions)
As of the end of May 2019 The Neighbor Consultation Scheme application for larger extensions will be made a permanent part of planning policy.
Click here for more information on eligibility and the application process from The Planning Portal. Feel free to call Frontier Architecture for further advice and assistance if you would like to extend your home under a Neighbour Consultation Scheme application.
Inspiration Page
We know that visulaising your new home is bot always easy and we are often asked for advice and examples on design elements for proposed works.
Whether it be an extension, loft conversion, new dwelling or commercial development.
Therefore, we have created a Frontier Architecture account with Pinterest. You can click on our Inspiration title on our homepage or click here to visit our Pinterest page, which we hope will help provide some visual aids and ideas for your works.
Credit/debit card payments
From the 17th February 2019 we will be able to take on site card payments for deposits and balances for those customers unable to pay by bank transfer.
We will no longer accept cheques as payment unless from a charity/trust or educational facility from the 17th February 2019.
Christmas New Year Operating Hours
Frontier Architecture will be closed from the 21st December 2018 until 7th January 2019. Please refer to our opening times for latest operating hours.
Changes to planning application fees
From the 10th September The Planning Portal will be introducing a Financial Transaction Service. The following is from The Planning Portal website.
From 10 September 2018, the Planning Portal will process all payments for planning applications made online. This means that you will be able to pay for your online application using a standardised set of payment options, which are detailed below.
From this date, a service charge of £16.67+VAT will apply to all planning applications submitted through our online application system, excluding applications which do not attract a planning application fee. This will be payable at the time of submission.
Payments for online applications should not be made directly to local planning authorities.
Application fees can be calculated using our fee calculator.
From 10 September 2018, you can use the following methods to pay for your application:
Secure online payment by credit or debit card (for payments up to £1,000)
Payment by telephone (for payments up to £1,000)
Payment by bank transfer
Payment by cheque
Nominating somebody else to pay online