Bentley Planning & Project Management
M33, Sale
M33, Sale
We work on all types of projects relating to residential design from domestic extensions, loft conversions, remodelled houses / alterations through to new build dwellings. Our client base varies from householders and private clients to small developers and builders / contractors.
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How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
Most solid built garages (brick or blockwork) are suitable for a conversion to a habitable room. However they do involve significant works to bring them up to standard in terms of damp proofing and insulation.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Following the measuring and design of the garage conversion (and your acceptance of the drawings), the plans will need to be submitted to the local authority for acceptance of the change of use from garage to habitable room.
Your chosen contractor will then begin the process of the conversion, initially making sure the damp proofing is sufficient along with the insulation to meet UK Standards for a habitable room.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
Not all roofs are suitable for a loft conversion, while some roof types will require extra structural work or a certain type of loft conversion to meet requirements.
The main considerations as to your home's suitability are:
-- available head height (for real comfort you’ll want at least 2.4m however, some can get away with 2.2m)
--roof pitch (generally speaking, the steeper the pitch in your roof, the easier the conversion will be as it’s considered they’ll me more useable space)
--roof structure (is the existing structure sufficient for the new room and construction requirements)
--obstacles such as water tanks or chimney stacks (will these need relocating or removal)
You’ll also need to measure the headroom available to you for staircases which require a minimum of 1.9m at the centre of the flight itself
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
From a design perspective, a loft conversion always requires detailed plans due to the structural change to property.
Traditional loft conversions (within the existing roof structure) require only building control details and acceptance by the building controller. Dormer loft conversions (adding additional structures to the existing roof) usually fall under permitted developments, however it is best to confirm this with the local authority you live in.
How long have you been in business?
I have been designing and detailing domestic projects for 20 years now
What guarantee does your work come with?
I work closely with my clients to deliver the best design possible to cost requirements and space needs. And I pride myself on not designing something that I feel would not be passed or accepted by local authorities (both planning and building control).
In addition to this I will work with you chosen contractor to make sure it is built to the design and UK standards.
What do you love most about your job?
I love helping families aspirations come to life and for them to gain the space they need / want along with the improved living that this allows
What inspired you to start your own business?
I wanted to create my own brand and identity to go along with the style I had created for my designs. In addition to this, my workload had increased to a point where it was clear that it was a viable option.
Why should our clients choose you?
Because the business is just me I can offer a personal service, direct contact to me and assistance from the start through to the end of the project
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
For the past 5 years more and more clients are choosing a remote service, and even though I am south manchester based many of my clients are in London and further south.
As long as I can gain access to the level of detail I need to undertake the design then location is not an issue.
House Extension Design - Single Storey
Whether it is a small kitchen extension or a large “wrap around” with internal remodelling, Bentley can take you through all the stages of the works, including checking with your local authority for Permitted Development status.
Loft Conversion Design
Converting your loft is one of the greatest ways of gaining an additional room for a bedroom, office or additional bathroom.
Most roof spaces have the potential for a loft conversion which could be in the form of a traditional loft conversion (utilising the existing roof structure) or a dormer loft conversion (where a new area of the loft is created).
A loft conversion always requires Building Control / Regulation approvals and in some cases may require a planning application. Bentley can provide options for both of these and help you find a builder to carry out the works.
House Extension Design - Two Storey
Most two storey extensions allow for additional rooms on the ground floor (kitchen improvements, downstairs W.C. or an office), while upstairs a new bedroom may be generated or the existing rooms made larger. Whatever form your extension takes Bentley can help take the project from Planning Application through to Building Control sign off and construction by the chosen builder.
Building Regulations
Building Regulation Approval is a completely separate process from planning approval; in this an assigned Building Controller (either Local Authority or Private Company) will check and inspect how the project will be carried out whilst ensuring it complies with current Building Regulations.
Almost all work to a property that involves structural work will need to comply with Building Regulations whether planning permission is needed or not.
Bentley can prepare and submit Full Plans Applications (for larger projects) or Builders Notifications (smaller projects) for your project. These applications comprise of detailed drawings (plans, sections & elevations of the proposed work) together with a specification detailing how each element is to be constructed and what materials are to be used.
Where necessary a Structural Engineer may be required to provide structural calculations at this stage depending on the nature of the proposed works, we will let you know whether they are needed in the initial meeting, we can even arrange the calculations for you.
At the end of the works, you will receive certification for both the plans / specification and the building works themselves, giving you peace of mind that the design and building work has been undertaken to British Standards and checked independently.
Planning Permission Applications
If a proposed project does not meet the rules and conditions of a “Permitted Development” (some projects do not require full planning applications) then Planning Permission must be obtained via an application with your Local Authority.
Planning applications allow a development to an existing property or a piece of land to be reviewed and consulted upon and then granted permission and full support by the Local Planning Authority.
Following the initial consultation & site measurements, preliminary drawings can then be produced showing the Existing / Proposed floor plans, Elevations and Site Plans, these will then be amended to your needs and form part of the Planning Application. The application may also call for a Design & Access Statement, and all relevant forms and Certificates.
We can then submit the application on your behalf and continue to monitor it throughout the planning stage (acting as your agent) where any amendments required by the client or by the planners will be at no additional cost.
If the Local Authority requires the proposal to be revised, we will amend the drawings and re-submit at no extra cost (not including council fees if required).
