What is the CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy)?
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a levy which some local authorities in England and Wales charge on developments to fund infrastructure projects within the local authorities such as schools, transport improvements and GP Practices. It is a development contribution and applies to most new development, including individual building projects. As
Installing Timber Windows – the right way
Why choose timber windows? Whether you live in a conservation area or a new build house, in any home, and today’s engineering means that the old drawbacks – single-glazed, draughty thin pines – are no more. Nowadays, timber windows come with solid guarantees and greater security for your peace of
Our guide to Building Regulations
What are Building Regulations? Building Regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to buildings in the UK. Any project you undertake must adhere to them Building Regulations are designed to ensure buildings are safe, structurally sound, water and energy efficient for their users, and also ensure that they
What is a Professional Consultants Certificate (aka Architect’s Certificate)?
What is a Professional Consultants Certificate? A Professional Consultants Certificate is a document issued by a chartered architect or surveyor on a new build or newly converted property that vouches for the quality of the build for six years from the issue date. This professionally appraised document can then be
Planning Permission approval for Aldridge development
Planning Permission Approval! We’re very happy to announce that one of our development projects in Aldridge has been given planning permission approval by Walsall Council! The site was previously occupied by a bungalow just on the edge of Aldridge, adjacent to the green belt. The buyer of the land wanted to
Buying a house? Why an architect’s advice is essential
Now that the housing market in Birmingham and the West Midlands is starting to grind back into action, we’re seeing more and more clients looking for a professional architect’s advice on a property they’re looking to refurbish or extend, either for themselves or as an investment. Why getting an architect’s advice
How inclusive design solutions can improve a home
Inclusive design solutions – what are they? Unfortunately, the existing housing stock in the UK doesn’t offer many options for inclusive design solutions for those in a wheelchair due to trauma or accident. Only 10% of homes have at least 1 of the 4 adaptations needed to consider a house
Lawful Development Certificates – do I need one?
Why might I need a lawful development certificate? A lawful development certificate (also known as a certificate of lawfulness) isn’t a legal requirement for you to start your build, they’re a great idea and stop issues with your local authority and future buyers down the line. In a nutshell, an
Thinking outside the box: our modern extension design
Modern extension design in a conservation area A lot of the work that we do at Lapworth Architects is focussed on heritage buildings, restoring listed homes in conservation areas around Birmingham and the West Midlands – it’s what we’ve built our reputation on. But we decided to go for a
Third party costs in architectural projects
What third parties are involved in architect’s projects? When you start a project with Lapworth, we are not only your architects, but also your lead consultants. We look to assemble a team of experts that complement our design work by bringing their knowledge and experience to make sure that your
Our top architecture blogs
Looking for inspiration? Of course, we include our own in our top architecture blogs, but we’re going for practical guides to help clients find out more about what they can build and why they should work with us. These are our top blogs for inspiration and keeping on top of
Extending upwards with Permitted Development
What are the new PDR for extending homes upwards? As of 31st August 2020, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2020 grants homeowners the chance to extend their houses upwards – both for their own use and to create additional dwellings – without
New Use Class Changes | September 2020
On the 21st July 2020 the government published the The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 which will come into force on the 1st September 2020. There will however, be a transitional period until 31st July 2021 where the former use classes will still apply to land and
How to do a Garage Conversion
A garage conversion is a great way to expand your home without the inconvenience of an extension, building up or needing party wall agreements. If your lifestyle has changed, you need more accommodation, or you’re simply not using the garage much, converting it is straightforwards thanks to Permitted Development Rights.
Party Wall Surveyors
If you’re doing any work in the Birmingham or West Midlands area that affects your neighbour’s house or land, then you’ll need an official Agreement from drawn up by qualified Party Wall Surveyors to make sure both parties are protected. Experience is key here, as good preparation can mean the
Inclusive Design: Deputies, Solicitors and Architects
Inclusive Design for Deputies and Solicitors Lapworth Architects strive to provide inclusive design solutions for deputies and solicitors and people incapacitated due to health issues or accidents. Together with the client, their family, an occupational therapist and other professionals, we work to make sure that the client’s home can meet
Lapworth boost Walsall town centre with hat-trick of housing projects
New homes for Walsall town centre Local Birmingham architects and property developers are looking to transform unused office space in Walsall town centre into sustainable apartments in line with council masterplan to transform town post-Covid and revive high street fortunes with mixed-use developments. Lapworth Architects and Kalam Family Property Developers
Party Wall Agreements
What is a Party Wall Agreement? If you’re planning on doing any building work that affects your neighbour’s house or land, then you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement from qualified professional surveyors to make sure this work is safe and legal. Party Wall Surveyors most frequently draw up Agreements for
How much can I extend my house without planning permission?
Whether you’re staying put, or have just moved in to your new pad, plenty of homeowners are asking themselves: how much can I extend my house without planning permission. The government, keen to stimulate the building and architecture economy, has relaxed rules around this to reduce paperwork for something that
2 storey extensions on apartments – new PD Rules
What are the new rules on 2 storey extensions on apartment blocks? From 1st August 2020 a new permitted development (PD) right will include 2 storey extensions on purpose-built blocks of flats. This will only apply to buildings currently over three storeys in height and the total height of the
What is an Architect’s Certificate (aka Professional Consultants Certificate)?
What is a Professional Consultants Certificate (or architect’s certificate)? A Professional Consultants Certificate is a document issued by a professional consultant, such as a chartered architect or surveyor, on a new build or newly converted property that vouches for the quality of the build and can be used to raise
Can I build an outbuilding under permitted development?
I want to build an outbuilding for my family – can I do it under permitted development rules or do I need planning permission? With architecture looking to undergoing some major changes in the post-Covid landscape, more sectioned-off space and more flexible accommodation is likely to be a trend in
Current Planning Permission Extended to 2021
Planning Permission Deadline Extended to 2021 The government has recently announced that any projects with planning permission that expires before the end of 2020 will automatically be extended until April 2021. Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said: ‘Building the homes the country needs is central to the mission of this government
Permitted Development Rights
At Lapworth Architects, we want to help our clients understand aspects of the planning system that need to be taken into account when it comes to design. If you’re planning an extension, it’s worth considering what you can build under the implied consent of the Permitted Development rights.