Whether or not you need planning permission depends on the nature and scale of your proposed works. In general, planning permission is required when you are altering the external appearance of a building, increasing its size, or changing its use — for example, converting a house into flats or building a large extension.

However, many residential projects fall under permitted development rights, which allow certain types of extensions and alterations to be carried out without submitting a full planning application. These rights come with specific limitations on height, size, materials, and placement, and they only apply if the property hasn’t had its rights restricted (as is often the case with flats, listed buildings, or homes in conservation areas).

Even if a full planning application isn’t needed, we usually advise applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) to confirm that your proposed work falls within permitted development. This provides peace of mind and official documentation, which is especially useful if you plan to sell your property in the future.

At Don’t Move Extend, we assess your project at the outset to determine the most appropriate route — whether that’s full planning permission or an LDC — and we handle all submissions on your behalf to keep the process smooth and compliant.

In many cases, yes — a Party Wall Agreement is likely to be required if your project involves work that affects a shared wall or boundary with a neighbouring property. This includes tasks such as building an extension near or up to the boundary line, excavating near a neighbour’s foundations, or making structural changes to a party wall (like inserting steel beams or cutting into it).

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 legally requires you to notify adjoining property owners in advance, and in some cases, secure written consent or a formal agreement. This process helps prevent disputes and ensures that your neighbours are informed and protected during construction.

Not all projects will require one, but we assess this as part of the planning process and will guide you through it if necessary. If you'd like to learn more, click here to download the official Party Wall Guide (CLG)

Once a planning application has been submitted to the local authority, the standard decision time is around 8 weeks for most residential applications. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the responsiveness of the planning department, and whether any objections or additional information requests arise during the process.

Larger or more complex projects, or those involving listed buildings or conservation areas, may take longer — sometimes up to 12 weeks or more. In some cases, the council may request design changes or further details, which can extend the timeline.

We handle the submission process for you and stay in close contact with the planning authority throughout to keep things moving forward and resolve any issues that come up as quickly as possible.

In most cases, planning permission is valid for three years from the date it is granted. This means that you must begin construction within that period — otherwise, the permission will expire, and you may need to submit a new application.

That said, not all approvals follow the same timeline. Some types of consent, such as Prior Approvals or Lawful Development Certificates (LDCs), may come with different conditions or shorter validity periods. It’s always important to check the specific wording of your decision notice, as it will outline any time limits or requirements unique to your project.

If you’re unsure or your permission is close to expiring, we can review your approval documents and advise on the best course of action — including reapplying or submitting amendments if necessary

Building Regulations are a set of legal standards designed to ensure that construction work is carried out safely, sustainably, and to a high standard of quality. These regulations cover a wide range of essential areas including structural stability, fire safety, insulation (both thermal and sound), ventilation, drainage, accessibility, energy efficiency, staircases, glazing, and more.

Unlike planning permission, which focuses on how a building looks and fits into its surroundings, Building Regulations ensure that the building is safe to use, structurally sound, and fit for modern living standards. Approval is typically required before and during construction, and it applies to most types of building work — even those that fall under permitted development.

Compliance is not optional; failure to meet Building Regulations can lead to enforcement action, difficulty selling your property in the future, or serious safety issues. We ensure your designs meet these requirements from the outset and work with Building Control officers to obtain approval smoothly and efficiently.

We believe collaboration is key to delivering a design that truly fits your needs. From the initial consultation through to final approvals, you’ll be kept informed and involved at every major step. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and priorities, and we incorporate your feedback throughout the design process.

We offer regular updates and meetings—whether face-to-face, by phone, or online—to review plans, discuss any changes, and address your questions. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible, so you always feel confident and in control of your project.

In the UK, it’s quite common for planning permission to not be granted on the first attempt. The process can sometimes feel complicated, frustrating, and overwhelming—especially when you receive conflicting advice or unclear feedback from different experts.

At Don’t Move Extend, we understand these challenges and are committed to making the process as straightforward and transparent as possible. If your application is refused, we carefully analyze the reasons behind the decision and work closely with you to develop practical solutions. This might mean revising the design to meet the council’s requirements, submitting an appeal, or exploring other approval routes that suit your project.

Our approach combines technical expertise, creativity, and clear communication to guide you through setbacks without unnecessary stress or delays. We aim to remove the confusion and expense often associated with planning challenges, helping you move forward confidently toward your dream project.

Yes, we provide comprehensive technical drawings that clearly communicate your project’s design and specifications to builders and contractors. These detailed drawings include precise measurements and construction details to ensure the work is carried out accurately and efficiently.

While our technical drawings cover all architectural aspects, we work closely with other specialists, such as structural engineers, who provide additional drawings like structural calculations and details that complement our designs. This collaborative approach ensures every aspect of your project is thoroughly planned and coordinated for a smooth build.

Yes, it’s often possible to make changes after the project has begun, but the sooner you let us know, the better. Some changes might require additional approvals or adjustments to technical drawings, which can affect the timeline and budget.

We work closely with you and your contractors to manage any changes smoothly and keep your project on track. Flexibility is key, but planning ahead helps avoid surprises — after all, great homes aren’t rushed; they’re crafted with care.