There has always been quite a lot that can be done without planning permission; porches, conservatories, small out-buildings, changes of use. This is known as Permitted Development.

However, it is not as simple as it seems and mistakes can be made;

• There are conditions/provisos attached that are not always easily
understood and it can be difficult to get a definitive answer from Councils. The rules are continuously changing and whilst this apparently provides greater freedom the new rules have to be interpreted
carefully … and there are catches and pitfalls.
• In some areas Councils have removed Permitted Development rights
which can mean that even the most minor projects can require
planning permission.
• Special provisions apply to Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings.
What areas of the country do you cover?
What else do you do?
In any case, and regardless of whether or not planning permission is required, other consents are often needed

From a planning point of view you may require;

• Listed Building consent
• Conservation Area consent
• Advertisement consent
• Permission to discharge, remove or vary a condition attached to a planning permission
• To renew a planning permission that has expired or is about to expire

Additionally;
• For projects involving the creation or alteration of habitable space, Building Regulation approval.
• Structural calculations e.g. if you are inserting a lintel.
• To build over or close to drains, a Build Over approval from the local Water Authority. This includes a requirement to provide camera
surveys of the drain before and after works.
• If you are opening a new bar or restaurant you may require a Premises License (also known as a drinks or alcohol or entertainment license) and a Personal License.

•For street trading/pavement cafes, a Street Trading license.
• For dropped kerbs (to access off road parking) a Vehicle Access Crossing (VAC) application.

More positively, grants are sometimes available for certain types of projects. We can advise for instance on;
• Conservation/Listed Building grants
• Redundant Rural Buildings grants
• Lottery funding

Restaurants and bars in Tamworth;

• Gemini restaurant, Silver Street
• China Palace, Church Street
• Vanity Bar, Bolebridge Street
• Wherever Bar, Orchid Street
• Taco Hut, Lichfield Street

Hot food take-aways (Indian, Chinese, English) in Tamworth, Dordon, Chase Town, and Birmingham.

Gyms, Marshall Arts Centres and Dance Studios, Tamworth and Lichfield.

Historic Building refurbishments in Lichfield Street and Ladybank, Tamworth.

Agricultural Projects including stables, ménages, small holdings, chicken farms and conversion of redundant buildings to offices and a day nursery.

Successful grant applications for works to Listed Buildings, redundant farm buildings and major refurbishment of a Village Hall

New residential developments in Tamworth and Rugeley.

Site and property finding for clients, and sales.

Being based in Tamworth, and having worked for the local council for many years, quite naturally a large proportion of our work is done in and around Tamworth.

We have excellent working relationships with Tamworth, Lichfield and North Warwickshire councils.

We work elsewhere in the Midlands; Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield,
Erdington and in Derbyshire and Leicestershire and on occasions even further afield in Devon, Cornwall, the Wirral/Merseyside and Jersey.

Apart from Planning, Building Regulations and Build Over/Water Authority applications;

• Premises Licences
• Site finding/sales
• Advice on appointing builders and trades people

A high proportion of costs associated with our services (often more than 50%) are fixed fees levied by Councils and other organisations over which we have little or no control. We do, however, explore ways of minimising these and occasionally getting them waived (e.g. works benefiting people with disabilities).

We will itemise known and possible charges of this nature for you at the outset, together with our likely professional fees.

Professional fees cover; advice regarding the need for planning permission and other consents, the likelihood of such consent being
granted, survey and design options, production of detailed planning/building regulation drawings, compilation and submission of applications and supporting material and, crucially, on-going discussions/negotiations with Councils to ensure successful outcomes.

Typically, initial over-the-phone advice is provided free of charge. If it is necessary to carry out research and other investigations (e.g. talking to Councils) in order to establish the likelihood of permission being granted a nominal charge (rarely exceeding £100) is levied. This is deducted from your final invoice if you decide to proceed with the project.

In the majority of cases a fixed-price quote is provided clearly indicating what is and what is not included, and any possible additional costs (if any) that could arise. VAT is not charged.

Our usual terms are;
• Payment of fixed cost in full plus 50% of professional fees, upon
appointment
• Balance of professional fees upon submission of application

Costs include the provision of copies of all plans, consents and other relevant paper work once the project is completed.

Quite simply, whatever your project or query, ring or email us.

We will provide initial clear, impartial and reliable advice free of charge. If we do not think we can help you we will say so or point you in the direction of someone who can. If we can help and you would like us to, we will meet you (usually on site) to get a more detailed understanding of your requirements. Most meetings of this nature, in and around Tamworth, are free of charge.

For meetings further afield, a small charge may be levied.

Following this meeting, we will provide you with a fixed price quote and an approximate time scale for carrying out the required work.

Ring or email me anytime, evenings and weekends included:

Ray Evans Phone – 07957862438
Email – ray@croftplanningtamworth.com