Professional network for design planning and building regulations

From the inception of the project APS will make every effort to keep the client informed of all the necessary professionals required to complete the design team.

APS has built a strong network of professionals that can be relied on throughout the Design, Planning and Building Regulations process and beyond.

The Local Planning Authority can request that additional documents and surveys are submitted alongside the Planning Application.

Land Surveyor:

The majority of projects will require a measured survey. This typically includes a survey of the property and/or adjacent land. The surveyor produces existing drawings of the site/property which are passed on to APS to edit and add the proposal to.

Chartered Building Surveyor / Specialist:

Listed Building Consent will require a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). This consists of a summary of relevant planning history and justification for any changes to the building internally and externally.

Specialists in Flood Risk, Drainage and Contaminated Land:

Depending on site location, the local authority may require confirmation that flooding will not pose a risk to any development on the site. A specialist provides a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) outlining whether flooding is likely, the level of potential flooding and the necessary measures. Surface water drainage will need careful consideration within an area of flood risk; development may contribute to this risk and special attenuation measures for surface water may need to be incorporated, along with a sympathetic hard-standing design.

Depending on the location and previous use of the application site, a contamination report may also be required. A specialist will review site data, local records and carry out a site visit to assess the likelihood of contamination and any further measures needed.

Ecologist:

Depending on site location the Local Planning Authority may request that an impact assessment is carried out. This consists of a site survey to investigate the impact on trees and wildlife. Further survey work may be required along with a mitigation plan.

Structural Engineer:

It is prudent to include a Structural Engineer, where applicable, within the early stages of the design process to pre-empt any potential structural problems or special structures required for the proposal, as this may significantly affect the overall design and shape the scheme submitted for planning.

Specialist Planning Consultant:

Occasionally specialist policy statements are required to justify a specific use of a proposal. This can range from statements justifying an affordable home to those relating to residences with an agricultural tie.

Energy Consultant:

Energy Consultants are usually involved during the Building Regulations stage. For new-build projects, SAP calculations are carried out to assess whether the building will meet Building Control guidelines for energy efficiency. Depending on the outcome, adjustments to insulation and inclusion of green energy may be necessary. An Energy Consultant can also provide an EPC on completion of the project.

Acoustician:

An Acoustician may be required during both the Planning and Building Regulations stages and again on completion to carry out sound testing. The LPA may require a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) to accompany the planning application to assess the proposal’s effect on neighbouring properties. Acousticians can also advise on the conversion of existing buildings into residential dwellings by providing solutions for sound separation.