Keep up to date with planning news, sketchbook ideas, press and publications here.
By Christophe
Obtaining planning permission for new homes has become more challenging in the last few years. It’s never been more important to work with a consultant who understands the constraints of your specific project and the local planning process. The main reason gaining planning permission has become more complicated is the increase in legislation in many areas of...
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By Paul
This year, biodiversity has climbed developers’ list of priorities. Although the government has delayed biodiversity net gain legislation again, from February those creating large schemes will have to provide a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%. For smaller developments – ten homes or fewer – the new rule will apply from April 2024. This is a great...
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By Christophe
This is a decision facing many people looking to create their ideal home: should they renovate an existing building or knock it down and start again? There are many factors to consider, not least cost, design potential and sustainability. We’ve pulled together some of the key considerations in the renovate or rebuild debate to help you reach a decision. Each...
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By Paul
After a two-year process, Three Rivers Council has granted planning permission for a scheme of two detached houses designed by TAS Architects, and in collaboration with Base Developments. The inventive, low-energy homes are set within the Hertfordshire greenbelt that surrounds the village of Kings Langley. This is the second scheme that TAS Architects has worked on...
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By Paul
TAS Architects has designed a new low energy sustainable home in Hertfordshire for a couple and their four children. Our brief was to provide spacious and versatile living areas that maximise natural light and provide a feeling of a cozy, warm home that’s comfortable and functional. The home is orientated to make the most of the sloping south-facing garden and...
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By Lizzie
Finding a site on which to build a new home in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a wonderful opportunity. It can be extremely difficult to gain planning permission in an AONB for a new home on an empty plot – though not impossible. A more accessible option is to find a site with an existing dwelling and create a design for a new home that considers...
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By Lizzie
While the impact of buildings on the environment is coming under a brighter spotlight, so is the impact of buildings on the people who inhabit them. More people are keen to live in dwellings that bring in lots of natural light, for example, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Increasingly, home owners are paying attention to how the fabric of their homes could...
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By Paul
When people reach retirement age, they often start to consider their living situation. They might choose to downsize, to relocate to somewhere they’ve always dreamed of living or to move to a home that they know will suit them no matter what the future holds. For someone opting for the latter move, they will probably have several priorities. Single-storey living is...
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By Paul
We recently gained planning permission for an exciting project: the creation of a highly sustainable, new-build, single-storey dwelling in a secluded location in Hertfordshire. Our client is extremely keen to take a pioneering approach, using the most sustainable techniques and materials possible. When complete, Long Barn will be a shining example of how carbon...
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By Christophe
This week we’ve had the fantastic news that Ryedale Council have granted planning permission for the renovation and extension of this stone barn in Yorkshire. The barn, which is currently divided into two dwellings, will be returned to one as part of the scheme. Multiple existing extensions and interventions will be removed as the first phase of the works,...
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By Paul
Gutters are functional. They collect water from the roof of a building and transport it away, to a designated place. But how necessary are they? The way their design has evolved is an interesting reflection of how our feelings towards water and function have changed over the years, including areas such as sustainability. The Georgians and Victorians didn’t want to...
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By Paul
TAS Architects has been working on a sketch design for a new nursery and multi-use space in the grounds of a village school. The school is lucky to benefit from a forest school area, ecological pond and running track, which are all important elements to consider in the design development. We were asked to create a design for a nursery to accommodate 20 children, with...
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By Christophe
Traditionally, once a house building project has gained planning permission, the next stage is detailed design followed by a competitive tender process to find a builder. Up to this point, costs are only loosely unknown. The client doesn’t have an exact price for their project until the architect has spent time creating a highly detailed design package. However,...
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By Paul
We’re thrilled to have successfully secured a resolution to grant planning permission for a new sustainable development at Dickens Square Park Surgery, Southwark, comprising a new 1,000 m2 medical centre and 39 new homes. The development will provide a mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bed dwellings, including 41% affordable housing. The GP surgery will cater for 85% more...
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By Christophe
Just submitted – planning for four 2-bed terraced houses, and outline planning for four self-build plots of 3 & 4-bed houses. Each dwelling is carefully orientated to provide a balance of internal daylight, quality amenity space, and views out to the surrounding countryside. The site has mature boundary hedging which will screen the new houses in views...
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By Lizzie
Offsite timber frame construction has raced ahead in recent years, both in terms of popularity with self-builders and the UK’s ability to manufacture. However, a timber frame structure produced offsite won’t be the right choice for every project. The decision boils down to time and project specifics, including budget and design ambitions. The most important...
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By Paul
On its way! We’re thrilled that this mixed-use scheme on Surbiton Road has been granted planning permission. Behind the listed façade, the existing buildings will be partially demolished to make way for nine residential units with flexible retail and coworking space on the ground floor. Roof gardens will top off the four storeys and a communal courtyard at the...
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