Vestra Architecture

Using the latest Leica measuring equipment we can carry out an extensive measured survey of your existing property. This includes floor plans, elevations, sectional information and external site information. This will enable us to produce an accurate and detailed set of existing drawings to form the base of which your proposed drawings will be brought to life.

These are accurate existing & proposed drawings that we produce to submit to your Local Authority. They include all of the necessary information to obtain planning / permitted development approval for the changes you want to make to your property.

The planning stage is often the biggest obstacle standing in the way when you are thinking about making changes to your property.

There are numerous types of planning applications available depending on what you want to do. We can advise you which type of application is most suitable and then compile all the necessary information to submit and manage the application on your behalf. We will also provide you with regular updates so you always know where your project is up to

Permitted development is when an addition or extension to your home is considered not to need planning approval provided certain limits and conditions are met.

There are numerous factors that can affect your permitted development rights including the type of project, its location and past work that has been carried out. Commercial properties also have different permitted development rights to dwellings.

If permitted development is a route you would like to explore, we can carry out a desktop analysis to establish the suitability of your project and advise you on the best way to proceed.

If the changes you want to make to your property fall within permitted development then we always recommend applying for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from your Council.

An LDC is a certificate from the Local Authority which states that the changes you are making are lawful and no planning permission was required at the time of the application. It will also come in handy to prove to your solicitor that your alterations were lawful when you come to sell or re-mortgage your property.

We can take care of this whole process for you, submitting any documentation and drawings as well as managing the application on your behalf while providing you with regular updates to keep you informed.

These drawings contain all the necessary project-specific information, which when coupled with calculations from a structural engineer are submitted to your Local Authority or an Approved Inspector to obtain Building Regulations approval. These drawings also contain enough information so that they can be used as a baseline to send to multiple contractors for pricing.

No to be confused with planning, this type of application is there to ensure your proposed development meets all the necessary minimum standards in terms of things like fire escape routes, drainage, structural stability, ventilation and energy performance.

We will ensure that all of the required information is on your drawings and coupled with a detailed specification before submitting and managing the application on your behalf.

There are three types of party wall notice that may have to be served to an adjoining or neighbouring owner when carrying out work as described within the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

The three types of notice are:
- Party Structures Notice
- Notice of Adjacent Excavation
- Line of Junction Notice

We can advise you on which notice is most suitable for your project as well as prepare and serve the initial party wall notice on your behalf in line with the Party Wall Act. This ensures you are carrying out your legal obligations if any damage was to occur to a neighbouring or adjoining property as a result of your work.

We have the ability to oversee your project throughout the construction phase to ensure that the work is completed by your appointed contractor in accordance with the drawings, timescales and agreed costs.

Our project management services can either be adopted on a full contract administrative or ad-hoc basis to attend site visits, meetings and periodically check progress.

As part of this service we can provide the following:
- Act as Principal Designer
- Building contract advice
- Procurement advice
- Attend site visits and meetings
- Contract administration
- Snagging
- Provide supporting information for the Building Owner’s Manual (O&M)

Using Autodesk Revit and Lumion combined with the use of VR technology, we can show you around your development before any work has started on site, saving you time and money. This ensures that you are completely satisfied with the appearance and feel of your scheme prior to any major financial outlay.

We offer a range of detailed measured survey solutions for any type of property. Using Leica measuring equipment, we can provide accurate Gross and Net internal areas as well as ITZA retail zoning in line with the RICS Code of Measuring Practice.

If you are looking to grant or renew a lease for a term more than 7 years, or to sell or split off part of your land or building; we can produce a Land Registry Compliant Lease Plan that can be submitted as part of your application.