Frequently Asked Questions Homepage
Pre-Application Advice FAQs
Pre-application advice is an optional service offered before full planning permission that allows you to understand how the development policies will apply, gain advice from a planning officer, identify any potential problems and rectify them before a full planning permission application is submitted.
For more information please follow the link below.
Planning Permission FAQs
Planning Permission, in simple terms, is like asking if you can do a certain piece of building work. It will be granted (possibly subject to certain conditions) or refused.
Parliament has given the main responsibility for planning to Local Planning Authorities (usually, this is the planning department of your local council).
Building Control FAQs
Building control is concerned with ensuring buildings are constructed in accordance with building regulations. The regulations are minimum standards for ensuring buildings are safe, inclusive environments for people to live and work in.
Permitted Development FAQs
Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application. Permitted development rights are subject to conditions and limitations to control impacts and protect local amenities.
Approved Inspector FAQs
Approved Inspectors are companies that can provide an alternative to obtaining building regulations approval from a local authority. Approved Inspectors employ competent, qualified and experienced building control professionals who can help developers, designers, contractors and building owners achieve Building Regulations compliance on most construction projects – from extensions and one-off homes to large commercial office developments and infrastructure projects.
Landscape Design FAQs
Landscape design is the strategic planning and arrangement of outdoor spaces to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and environmental performance.
It considers site conditions, ecological factors, user needs, accessibility, and long-term maintenance. The process involves shaping landform, circulation routes, planting schemes, boundaries, and outdoor amenities to create cohesive and sustainable environments.
RIBA Plan of Work / Work Stages FAQs.
The RIBA Plan of Work (Work Stages) organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages and explains the stage outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage. Follow the link below to find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How we work FAQs.
If you have any concerns or problems regarding paying Architecture North Ltd. Please follow the link below where you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
RIBA Contracts FAQs
At AN we value our clients and want to have complete transparency with our scope of work and contracts. If you feel you are unsure about certain subjects or terminology. Please follow the link below for more information.
General FAQs
If you have any questions or queries about Architecture North Ltd and want to learn more please follow the link below.
Extension of Time FAQs
At our professional services, we strive to provide top-notch assistance to ensure optimal results for your project brief. We approach each project with a high level of professionalism, submitting it to the Local Authority in a manner that meets the required standards.
However, it's important to note that there is no standard guideline for what Planning Case Officers expect for every individual house. Therefore, there may be instances where they require additional time to review your application and request modifications to your drawings to meet their specifications.
Structural Engineer FAQs
Structural Engineers create drawings and specifications, perform calculations, review the work of other engineers, write reports and evaluations, and observe construction sites. Architecture North work closely with Structural Engineers to ensure the best outcome for your project.
Civil Engineer FAQs
Civil engineers play a vital role by ensuring that the proposed designs can be safely, efficiently, and feasibly constructed.
They assess site conditions, develop structural strategies, design foundations, drainage, highways, and supporting infrastructure, and ensure compliance with technical standards and regulations.
Quotations FAQs
Quotations outline the scope, fees, and expectations for a client’s project, giving clients a clear picture of what’s included before any work begins.
They break down services across each RIBA stage, highlight what’s fixed and what’s variable, and flag any third-party costs or surveys that may be needed.
Payment FAQs
If you have any concerns or problems regarding paying Architecture North Ltd. Please follow the link below where you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Postage FAQs
Architecture North solely use Royal Mail to send our documents to our clients. If you have any queries or questions about this please follow the link below.
Architectural Design FAQs
Architectural design is the creative and technical process of shaping the built environment to meet functional, aesthetic, and experiential needs.
It involves understanding a client’s brief, analysing site context, and developing spatial strategies that optimise layout, flow, natural light, and user experience.
Printing FAQs
Printing ensures accurate, scaled, and professional presentation of design information for clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
High-quality prints support clear communication, allowing users to interpret dimensions, annotations, details, and layouts precisely as intended.
Interior Design FAQs
Interior design focuses on shaping functional, comfortable, and visually engaging internal environments that enhance the user experience.
It considers spatial layout, circulation, lighting, finishes, furniture, ergonomics, and the emotional quality of a space.
Materials Choice FAQs
Material choices play a crucial role in defining performance, sustainability, aesthetics, and long-term durability. Selecting appropriate materials requires careful consideration of structural requirements, environmental impact, maintenance needs, cost efficiency, and compliance with building regulations.
Discharge of Planning Conditions FAQs
After obtaining a Planning Permission, there are typically requirements that must be met and approved by the Local Authority at various stages of the development. These requirements, known as "conditions," may need additional details submitted and approved through a process called "discharge of conditions.
Project Management FAQs
Project management ensures that design, technical, and construction activities are coordinated efficiently from inception to completion.
It involves planning project timelines, managing resources, liaising with consultants, overseeing documentation, and monitoring deliverables against quality, cost, and programme targets.
Sustainable Drainage Systems FAQs
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage surface water in a way that mimics natural drainage processes, reducing flood risk and improving environmental performance.
SuDS strategies slow, store, filter, and release water safely through features such as permeable paving, swales, rain gardens, green roofs, and attenuation basins.
In architectural projects, SuDS contribute to regulatory compliance, climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, and improved site aesthetics.
