From Objections to Approval: How Planning Strategy Delivered Consent A replacement self-build home, four rounds of consultation, and what it shows about the value of planning-led design. Few planning applications attract as much attention as a large replacement dwelling on an established residential road. At Musters Road in West Bridgford, our client wanted to replace a tired, long-vacant house with a modern six-bedroom family home. Over a year of consultation, call-in by war

A common assumption is that once the design is done and a builder's hired, the architect's job is finished. That's not necessarily true — and whether we stay involved matters a lot for how smoothly your build goes. What contract administration means This ongoing role is called contract administration. It means we continue acting on your behalf throughout construction — visiting site periodically to check the work matches the design, reviewing the builder's payment claims to c

Once your design is finalised, the next big decision is: who actually builds it? This is where tendering comes in. What tendering actually means Tendering means getting detailed, comparable quotes from several builders based on the exact same set of drawings and specifications — not vague estimates based on a rough conversation. We prepare a tender package that spells out precisely what's being built, so every builder is pricing the same job. This matters because comparing qu

From 31 October 2026, a new national law — the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026 — means most house extensions, renovations and small new build schemes must be decided by a council planning officer, not a committee. Larger or more contentious applications can still reach committee, but only if they pass a new "gateway test." It applies to every council in England, including across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshi

If you own a listed or historic property in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire or Lincolnshire, this is the planning update you've been waiting for. We're thrilled to share in the second part of our series on the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published by MHCLG on 17 August 2026, that it has delivered a genuine shift in how energy efficiency works to heritage buildings are treated at the planning stage. For years, we've worked with clients across

On 17 August 2026, the Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - the first genuinely comprehensive rewrite of the document since it was introduced in 2012. For anyone planning a residential project, a rural conversion, or a self-build, this matters: the NPPF sits above every local plan in England and directly shapes how councils weigh up your application. We've been working through the new Framework, and we've pulled out the ten points most

We are pleased to be acting on a Class M permitted development scheme delivering 20 studio apartments in a highly sustainable location close to West Bridgford town centre. This type of project requires a clear understanding of prior approval, space standards, transport considerations and amenity provision , alongside careful design to create high-quality, efficient living spaces. A well-located scheme with strong potential — and a good example of how permitted development c

Development above an existing shop within a conservation area Context: A Sensitive City Centre Site Pelham Street sits within one of Nottingham’s most sensitive and commercially active historic areas, closely tied to the Lace Market. The street is characterised by traditional façades, active ground floor retail, and underutilised upper floors. This project focused on securing planning permission for residential accommodation above an existing shop, within a designated conser

If you are planning to build your own home in Nottinghamshire, understanding the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is essential. Many self-builders either overpay, miss exemptions, or fall foul of procedural rules—not because the system is complex in principle, but because it is rigid in process. This guide sets out how CIL works across Nottinghamshire, how self-build exemptions operate, and the exact steps required to remain compliant. What is CIL? The Community Infrastru

Navigating the world of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing can be complex, especially with evolving regulations. If you own or plan to develop an HMO property in Nottingham, understanding the licensing requirements for 2026 is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about HMO licensing in Nottingham, including legal obligations, application processes, and practical tips to ensure compliance. Along the way, I will also highlight how MO

Building your own home is a dream many people share. The idea of designing a house that perfectly suits your lifestyle, your family, and your future is incredibly appealing. In Nottinghamshire, self build projects are becoming increasingly popular as people look for alternatives to buying existing homes or developer-built houses. However, building your own home can feel daunting. Planning permission, budgets, land searches, building regulations, contractors and timelines can

If you’re planning a home extension, self-build or replacement dwelling, you may have heard the terms “Principal Designer” and “Client duties” mentioned during the early stages. These responsibilities arise under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (commonly known as CDM 2015 ). They apply to almost all construction projects in the UK — including domestic residential work . Many homeowners are unaware that they hold legal duties. This blog explains cle