Paper Prints & The Environment

Environment

Here at Clive Elsdon Building Design we care a lot about the environment and about keeping our fees as low as possible.  This means that we produce Paper Prints as little as possible.

Planning & Building Regulations

All our Planning Applications are made digitally via the Planning Portal Website  and our Building Regulation Submissions are made either digitally to the relevant Local Authority via the Submit-a-Plan Website  or by email direct to an Approved Inspector such as JHAI Ltd or Green Door  (for example).

Consultants

We also supply all our Structural Engineers, Ecology Consultants, Surveyors etc. with drawings either as AutoCAD DWG files (right up to the AutoCAD 2015 release) or in PDF format. The same goes for other documents, all of which we supply digitally.

Clients

As with Planning Departments, Building Control or our Consultants, we supply our Clients with Digital Versions of documents, usually via email and usually in PDF format. In 99% of cases this seems acceptable and we have had very few clients over the past three years who have not been able to accept digital versions of drawings or documents in one form or another.

Large Format Paper Prints

Like most architectural businesses our size, the requirement for large format paper prints is small and it would be uneconomical to have in house facilities to print anything over A3. This means that A1 and A0 prints have to be sent out to specialist reprographic firms, of which there are few and far between in the area we are based.  The nearest firms (that we know of) are in Newcastle and Darlington.

So why use A1 & A0 size drawings?

After the Planning Stage it is difficult to fit the detail required onto an A4 or A3 drawing, so invariably an A1 or even an A0 size drawing is needed for a Building Regulation or Construction Stage Drawing. On larger projects, these sizes of drawings are needed at earlier stages.

Can we supply paper prints?

Yes.  We understand that in some circumstances it’s the only way, but printing costs! It is a true fact of life.  It costs if we do it in house, it costs if we have to send it out to a specialist supplier. It costs no matter what the size, A4, A3, A2, A1 or A0.  It costs financially and it costs the environment!

To help the environment as well as keep our fee quotes as low as possible we normally exclude the cost of paper prints.  Of course, if we feel that we have to print them for a meeting for example, we will do. However, unless we have clearly stated otherwise, any paper prints that are requested by clients, consultants, builders etc.are all a chargeable extra. Who the charge is made to will depend on the agreement with the client at the beginning of the project or when the situation first arises.

How Much?

Printing costs vary depending on the size and quantity of drawings and the number of prints required from each one.  There is also the delivery costs involved. In particular A1 or A0 Drawing’s usually have to be posted to us for distribution.

A single A1 print is likely to cost about £2.16 + P&P / Delivery .  If there were multiples of the same drawing or multiple drawings there may be a saving on the unit price.  (Price for A1 print correct as of 30th April 2014. Price may vary.) Smaller drawings, especially those we can print in house will be cheaper, a larger A0 drawing will obviously be more expensive.

Think Before You Print.

You often see that on the bottom of an Email.  We think that you have to think even harder before printing or requesting a print of a large format drawing.  We know most of our clients and regular consultants agree.

 

Approval for New House in Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area

Planning Approval in Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area

In March 2014 Clive Elsdon Building Design, on behalf of their client, successfully obtained Planning Approval for a New Dwelling within the Settle – Carlisle Railway Conservation Area.

Existing Site

Site for New House in Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area

Site for New House in Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area

The existing bungalow, known as “West Winds” on Lambley Bank in Scotby was built in 1959 on what was then a green field site. It was originally a brick faced building, but when  extended in 2002 the original building and the new extension were wet dash rendered to give the whole building a similar  finish.

The New Dwelling that this approval relates to is within the substantial garden of that existing bungalow.  The proposal required the re-opening of previously closed vehicle access to serve the existing dwelling, and alterations to the existing drive layout so that the current vehicular access would serve only the new dwelling.

New Dwelling

The proposed dwelling is two stories high, however, in order to reduce it’s massing the eaves are at a reduced level. On the whole the new building takes many of it’s design cues from the existing bungalow on the site. It is fully rendered of traditional construction and style.  The layout of the site are which is to be separated from the original land and the dwelling has been designed to provide appropriate areas for modern day living including a garage.

The relationship to the nearby dwelling was very carefully considered. Our client was particularly keen to ensure that their existing bungalow was not overlooked, therefore windows in the North East Elevation of the new house have been kept to a minimum. Those that are planned are either at ground floor level or serving a bathroom and obscure glazed.

Three Bedrooms and Parking

The new house will have an internal floor area of about 134.96sq.m. with three bedrooms at first floor, one of which is en-suite.  Whilst the land will be subdivided with the existing bungalow, the new house will still benefit from a substantial large garden area and plenty of parking for vehicles, including a detached garage.

Planning Documents

All the planning documents including Clive Elsdon Building Design Drawings and Design Access Statements etc. plus the Local Authority Decision Notice are in the public domain.  To view them click on this link to the Planning Application on Carlisle City Council‘s Website: Documents from Planning Application – 13/0994

 Similar Project?

We would be happy to look at any similar projects or indeed any potential building project at all with a view to providing a fee quote for a Planning Application and / or  Building Regulation Approval. Within DL & DH postcodes (and some other areas) we are happy to attend a feasibility meeting on site FREE of charge.)  We always provide a written fee quote!

Please contact us either using our contact form or by email to design at cliveelsdon dot co dot uk (replacing the words at and dot with the appropriate symbols, or by telephoning us on 01388 526641.

 

 

Weardale Farmhouse Refurbishment & Extension Approved

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Planning Approval

Clive Elsdon Building Design are pleased to confirm that they recently obtained a Planning Approval for the refurbishment and extension of Ladley Farmhouse, part of Newlands Hall Farm near Wolsingham in Weardale.

Rear View of Ladley Farm House

Rear view of Ladley Farm house showing the existing original Earth Closet, Coal Hole & Kitchen

The proposals are to extend the existing farmhouse to the rear to provide additional accommodation including a kitchen, utility room, toilet and boot room at ground floor level with a bathroom and additional bedroom (making 3 bedrooms in total) at first floor level.  The new toilet & bathroom facilities will be the first time the house has had an indoor toilet and fixed bath facility.  Previously only an Earth Closet and a Tin Bath in front of the fire were available.

The new extension will, broadly speaking, be in the area of an existing lean-to kitchen area that whilst looking like an extension was in fact original to the dwelling,  The area of the existing original earth closet and coal hole will remain.  It is intended to use that as a plant area for an environmentally friendly heating system which will work in conjunction with a ground source heat pump.

Within the North Pennines AONB

Whilst more modern in style and construction than many of the local farm houses, the currently unoccupied but maintained and secured Farmhouse is within the boundary of the North Pennines AONB on the North side of Weardale in County Durham. The original proposals for the development were amended following a site visit and consultation with Durham County Council Planning Department and their Conservation Officer. The amendment reduced the width of the first floor extension while leaving the ground floor almost as it was.  Elevationally, the extra area on the ground floor compared to the first floor was treated to look like a later lean-to extension.  Rear window details were also simplified, while front elevation windows remained as originally proposed and similar in detail to the houses original windows, which while dilapidated, were still present.

Bats & Birds

Also included within the proposals were many Mitigation Measures in connection with Bats and Birds that have nested near or in some cases in the building. Ahead of the application our client had already installed extra nesting boxes etc. near to the house.

Bat Roosts will be included within the walls of the new extension and in the area of the existing roof ridge with a Nesting Box for Owls being located in near by farm buildings.  All the mitigation measures comply with a specialist ecological risk assessment, survey and report carried out by a reputable company.

The Next Generation

Once refurbished and extended, with a new electricity supply (for the first time!) and an upgrade to the existing track leading to it, Ladley Farmhouse will become the home for the next generation of the family farming the Newlands Hall & Ladley farms.

Building Regulations

Clive Elsdon Building Design will now be progressing the Building Regulation Application for Ladley Farmhouse, making sure that the details are robust and suitable for it’s elevated and exposed position on the side of Weardale.

We are certainly looking forward to the day when it’s new occupants can finally move in!

Planning Documents

You can view the planning documents, including the Clive Elsdon Building Design Drawings, The Ecologist Reports and the Approval Notice by following this link to the Durham County Council Planning Application site: 3/2014/0003 LADLEY FARMHOUSE – REFURBISHMENT OF DWELLING AND TWO STOREY EXTENSION TO REAR

Are you considering a Similar Project?

We would be happy to look at any similar projects or indeed any potential building project at all with a view to providing a fee quote for a Planning Application and / or  Building Regulation Approval. Within DL & DH postcodes (and some other areas) we are happy to attend a feasibility meeting on site FREE of charge.)  We always provide a written fee quote!

Please contact us either using our contact form or by email to design at cliveelsdon dot co dot uk (replacing the words at and dot with the appropriate symbols, or by telephoning us on 01388 526641.

 

Permitted Development & Prior Notification.

Prior Notification

We are just submitting our first “Prior Notification” notice. These are for “Large Domestic Extensions” which fall outside of the normal Permitted Development Rights but which fall inside a temporary relaxation that will be in place until 30th May 2016.

Permitted Development

Permitted Development” describes a development which can be carried out without applying for Planning Permission.

The Planning Portal describes the current relaxation which has increased the scope of what can be done under permitted development rights as; “Single-storey rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house. In addition, outside Article 1(5) designated land* and Sites of Special Scientific Interest the limit is increased to 6m if an attached house and 8m if a detached house until 30 May 2016. These increased limits (between 3m and 6m and between 4m and 8m respectively) are subject to the neighbour consultation scheme. “

Neighbour Consultation Scheme

In order to comply, the homeowner or their agent must complete a “Prior Notification” form which asks the basic information normally asked on a planning application form  and submit it to the Local Authority Planning Department along with a Location Plan showing the area of the site.

Drawings

In addition we would almost always recommend that a set of plans & elevations are  submitted with the form to show the dimensions and character of the extension.  This is to prove that the development does fit in with the Permitted Development Right described above and complies with other relevant criteria, such as overall height, eaves height, materials and percentage of original land developed etc.

Guidance

To find out more about Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Extensions visit the planning portals page on extensions: Permitted Developmet Rights – Extensions

Guidance outlining the Neighbour Consultation Scheme in more detail can be found here: Neighbour Consultation Scheme

Prior Notification Form

If you appoint us to design your extension for you, as your agent we complete the Prior Notification Form as well, just as we would also handle a Planning Application. However, if you’re trying to go it alone, here is a link to a form you can complete then print off yourself: Large Domestic Extension Prior Notification Form

Need a helping hand?

Clive Elsdon Building Design would be pleased to be involved with your project, whether it falls within the usual permitted development rights, within the relaxed permitted development rights or requires a full planning approval. Within DL & DH postcodes, and sometimes other areas, we will meet you at the site to discuss your project and look at the feasibility of it FREE of charge. Call us on 01388 526641 or drop an email to design at cliveelsdon dot co dot uk (replacing “at” and “dot” with the appropriate symbols) to discuss this further.