Over the last couple of months I've helped my clients get the go-ahead for a range of home improvement projects. With approvals now in place I'll be helping take them forward as we head into summer - here are a few of them.
We've now had Certificate of Lawfulness* granted for this contemporary home extension to a new-build property in Haddington. The project will add a new playroom and home cinema to this family home and improve the flow of spaces by opening up rooms to one another, as well as to the garden via expansive new glazed doors and an extended external deck.
Also in Haddington, we've obtained Certificate of Lawfulness to convert an existing attached garage within a 1980s development to form a new bedroom and shower room at ground floor level, opening up the existing roof structure to create a light and airy space with new rooflights above.
Other planning approvals in recently:
Planning consent for a series of alterations to a modern house and its grounds in the Haddington Conservation Area, including a new set of patio doors to give the owner direct access to the sunniest part of the garden.
Certificate of Lawfulness for a new-build garage conversion in Newcraighall, Edinburgh, creating a new living space and extended utility room for a young family.
Currently in for planning and pending approval:
A listed building consent application to form two new ensuite shower rooms and storage deck within a redundant former landing space in a category B-listed upper villa flat in South Edinburgh, inserting a discrete and bespoke contemporary wood-lined structure into the space below the original roof lantern and providing modern fittings and services throughout without disturbing historic features.
On the drawing board at the moment:
An extension and alterations to a 1920s home in West Edinburgh, creating a generous new kitchen and dining space opening onto mature gardens.
Extensions to a 1970s property in Haddington, replacing an unloved conservatory with a proper living space and adding a two-storey side extension to provide an extra bedroom, home office, downstairs loo and utility space for a growing family.
Also coming soon over the summer:
An artist's studio with adjoining guest accommodation in the grounds of a listed villa in Belhaven, East Lothian.
Alterations, garage conversion and low-carbon retrofit to an early-1980s house in the Gullane Conservation Area.
I'm excited to be taking all of these forward and am looking forward to working on them over the next few months. If you have a similar project in mind, please feel free to drop me a line - I'd be delighted to talk to you and find out how I can help you bring it to life.
*What is a Certificate of Lawfulness? In short, it is official confirmation from the local planning authority that a development or land use, proposed or existing, does not need planning permission. This can apply if a project fits within certain criteria to be classed as permitted development, for example extensions under a certain size. The main difference from a full planning application is that applications are not advertised, and there is no requirement to notify neighbours. The application fee payable to the council is usually half that for the equivalent planning application. If you're thinking of a project and unsure if it will need planning permission, I can help you find out - please do get in touch.