Hilldes

Thanks, will see what I can obtain from next door (extension) and a self build in progress down the road.

Haven't got to the stage of designing the foundations as yet. Just know my neighbour had to use piles for an extension due to clay and tress - and we have more trees that are closer to the proposed footprint. One thing I've tried is to look up building control applications online to see how often piles were used in the area, but have not been able to locate these yet. I've done a reasonable amount of research into Loxone - e.g. this forum and AV Forums. Will post on here the results of my proof of concept when I connect it up. What I'm working on right now is deciding which elements of lighting to build in Loxone 24v components versus mains voltage - the latter being significantly lower cost.

Thanks, If I go with the quote I have, I will negotiate the work to occur in stages - e.g. initially getting to the point where are are sure piled foundations are required and also leave open the option for the piling company to take elements of the design. This approach is quite important because the foundations may make the whole project not viable (hopefully unlikely), so I need to be able to walk away without spending too much. We covered the flood risk assessment with the planning application - risk is from streams is to the front and the garden at the rear slopes down slightly away from the house, but not sure if we need to revisit with the building regs?

Thanks, my quote is substantially more than that. Will look at alternatives.

Getting quotes from Structural Engineers for a new build. What would be a reasonable cost to design piled foundations and drainiage in Surrey? The timber frame company will do the the calcs & building regs docs for that the external walls, roof and all internal walls. Outer skin will likely be render board, so assuming that will hang off the timber frame without the need for an SE.

Got a lot of reading to do on piles - they sound painful ?. Amazed by the choice of types of pile and systems that go with them - e.g. Speed Deck. I fear big £££ for this part.

Just been reading your posts on planning - did you permission for a full two story house to replace a bungalow?

I haven't got that kind of budget ?. Needs to be nearer £1,000/m2 which I know is really challenging anywhere in the UK, not to mention the south east.

An update on the outcome... Secured LDC + PAN for permitted development extensions to existing chalet bungalow. This demonstrated that with PD extensions we could increase the GEA of the current dwelling by 89%. Immediately after above PD, submitted a full application for demolition of the bungalow and build of a replacement 1.5 storey dwelling. Did not start to dig foundations for the PD extensions or even submit a building control notice. The full application secured approval for a 55% increase in GEA relative to the existing house, 1m max ridge height increase and 1.3m eaves height increase. Best estimates were that we would achieve a 30% to 40% increase in GEA given the green belt location. PD rights were not removed with the full application decision. Got a planning consultant for the full application. One tip is that if you have the skills to write the planning submission to look for a planning consultant that will charge fees for advising on strategy and reviewing the draft planning documents - saved a few thousands of pounds this way relative to others that wanted to take full control of the planning submission. It's not hard to write the planning submissions if you look at all planning applications online for similar projects that have been submitted in the locality. Thanks for the advice last year!

Hi all, After 10+ years researching self build (including this excellent forum), have just secured planning permission for a bungalow demolition and construction of a 1.5 story 260m2 house just outside Guildford. I've designed the replacement (my first whole house design) and currently working on the developed design and costing. Current plans are for: Potentially piled foundations due to clay soils and close proximity of Oak trees Timber frame/SIP construction - one timber frame supplier is recommending timber frame for the walls and SIPs for the roof (1st floor has mainly vaulted ceilings). Build route: will place a contract for the timber frame and then project manage contractors myself with some DIY (see below). External skin will be rendered - current preference is for render on boards as opposed to a blockwork outer skin. Will have quite extensive glazing including three glazed gables. Will have limited home automation technology - I've got some core Loxone components in a test rig in the current house, ready for a play when the training courses resume. Plans are mainly to control lighting in some key room + heating + alarm system. I've have a fair bit if DIY experience and may have have to invest much time DIYing to control costs - the parts of the build I could DIY total about 1 man year of effort :(. Current costing (with minimal DIY) is around £1700/m2 - which I will need to reduce. Will create separate posts over time with questions on some of the above. All the best , Terry

Yes, I'm expecting to lose PD rights if a replacement dwelling is approved. The 8m rear extension does need neighbour consultation - its been 8 weeks already for the LDC and neighbour consultation. I'm still not sure whether to (1) apply for the replacement dwelling immediately after the LDC, or whether to (2) notify building control of the start of the build for the PD extensions, start to dig the foundation trench then stop and submit the replacement dwelling application. The planning consultant recommended the latter. I guess I'll do (2) unless anyone here has succeeded with (1).

Many thanks all for the replies. What I have established via Pre-App is that PD rights are unaffected in the green belt (and the property is not in other 'challenging' areas such as conservation area) and that PD rights have not been removed from the particular property. It is correct that the planners do know from my enquires I am looking at both PD extension route and replacement dwelling. I have submitted plans for the LDC which include an 8m deep rear extension, one side extension and a loft conversion. I don't have the result yet, but from my analysis of the PD policies, all should be permitted. I have discussed with a local planning consultant, but concluded they did not know a lot more than I did already - e.g. the theory of a PD trade. They did have a view on the maximum uplift that had been achieved for a replacement dwelling - which was 30 to 40% GEA uplift. For me, I need to go for 60% GEA uplift for a viable knock down & rebuild project (and a property that is appropriate for the size of plot).

Hi all, Looking for some advice on a 'permitted development trade'. Got a bungalow in the green belt. Plan is to demolish and rebuild - with something that is "materially larger". Pre-app advice indicated the planners would not accept a replacement dwelling of the size I proposed. So the plan is to: Obtain a Lawful Development Certificate for permitted developments. This will (hopefully) show we can increase the size of the exiting property by 100%. Submit a full planning application for a replacement dwelling that would be a mere 60% uplift in size. The question is how to go from 1 to 2 above. I've heard that you need to get then LDC then actually start to dig the foundation trenches before the change of mind and then submit the application for a replacement dwelling. Is this starting of the build really necessary, or can I submit the replacement dwelling application as soon as I have the LDC? Advice would be greatly appreciated.