Why Do We Need Planning Permission Anyway?

If you are thinking about a self build, an extension to your home or an alteration to a commercial property the thought of applying for planning permission can give you nightmares. Engaging an architect right at the start of your project can smooth the path to planning consent but why do we have planning procedures in the first place?

The Role of the Planning System

Planning procedure is in place in order to help control positive change in our cities and towns. It also serves to protect historic buildings and our areas of natural beauty.

As more people become interested in sustainable building methods planning control helps to encourage this green architecture.

Planning also have a role in supporting the use of older development sites, derelict and empty land. We have all probably heard of somewhere being regenerated and urban redevelopment is popular. However our historic buildings need to be protected and the planning department have to take this into consideration as well.

While all this building and regeneration is going on planning departments also have the responsibility to protect and conserve our recreational areas and wildlife habitats.

Its worth baring in mind at this point that your architect will have knowledge of all these roles and will be able to guide you as you consider applying for permissions

So How Do I Get Planning Permission?
The rules for planning are quite complicated but some smaller proposals are classes as permitted developments and as such no planning permission is required.

You might not need planning permission at all…

This is where your architect becomes worth their weight in gold as they will have an established relationship with the local planning office and a top notch understanding of what your local council will class as a permitted development.

If planning permission is required you need to let your neighbours know. They have the right to comment or object within 14 days of the local council receiving your application. Sometimes the application requires to be published in the local paper. Again your architect will be able to advise you on what to expect.

The local councils generally try to take no longer than 8 weeks in reviewing your application and in 80% of the cases they achieve this time scale.

There are three outcomes that can befall your application:

• permission granted without conditions
• permission granted with conditions
• no permission granted 

Your architect will usually have forewarned you of a possible outcome and can, if required, appeal to the local planning office on your behalf.

So while applying for planning permission to build your dream home, extend your current home or to revamp commercial premises can feel like torture there are good reasons for all the hoops that need to be jumped through. Find a good architect who knows how to lower the hoops and your project can go smoothly.
For more information or assistance with your planning queries please contact us on 01698 422358

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

The Pitfalls Of Starting Your Build - PRIOR to Building Control Approval

Every now and then we are invited to work on a project where for various reasons the Client needs to push on with the project prior to obtaining building warrant approval. Some of you may know that the regulations in Scotland and England vary. In England a build is allowed to start on site as soon as the Warrant Application is lodged and the Building Control Surveyor then inspects and certifies the warrant as the built progresses. In Scotland however, we must obtain building warrant approval prior to starting or the Building Control Department can close the site.

I am writing this blogpost because we have been involved in a build where the Client needed to progress with the build prior to the warrant approval albeit that the warrant application had been lodged and was being processed. In ths particular scenario there was just no other option for the Client.

Professionally we have to say that it is important in Scotland to ensure that the warrant is approved prior to starting and ideally the Client should devise a works programme which allows the Design Team, Planning and Building Control Departments the opportunity to properly design and approve the necessary statutory approvals.

So what happens when you start prior to building warrant approval. Well invariably when you are a certain number of weeks into the project, we (your architect) get the warrant approval and then notify the Council that the build has started even although it started several weeks prior. Following this Building Control will inspect the works on site and then they have the right to insist on the destructive opening up of works so that they can inspect and ensure compliance with the approved drawings. This typically relates to e.g. structural works including foundations and steel or visual intrusive inspections to ensure that fire protection has been applied properly. This can be a very onerous and expensive process, which can be prohibitive in terms of time and programme at the end of the build.

So here's a tip. Always, always, always think twice before asking your design team to start on site prior to obtaining a warrant approval. We will ALWAYS advise you against this and guide you so.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

UPDATED AUDIO FILE FOR - Block Podcast Episode 3 - Marketing in construction, contaminated land Regs and why not to get Newts on your boots!!!

We would like to apologise to those of you who have already downloaded Episode 3 of the Block Podcast; it wasn't until after it was formatted and uploaded to the server that we noticed there was a problem with the sound.

We have now rectified the problem and replaced the file on the server. If you have already downloaded the podcast form iTunes, please delete the file then refresh you podcast feed and the new version will download. Alternatively, you can listed to the amended version via the audio player in this blog post.

Once again, our apologies for any inconvenience.

Audience numbers continue to grow for the Block Podcast and we are extremely happy with the reaction to Episode 2 and the feedback we have received via Twitter and email, please continue to tell us what you think of each episode and any suggestions you may have for the future.  We are also keen to hear from anybody who would like to take part in future podcasts.

Episode 3 of the Block Podcast was recorded on the Tuesday 27th September and we were delighted to welcome back some guests along with one new one - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing 
• Fraser Duff, Director, Terrenus CDH
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

We covered lots of topics during our open and lively conversation and we hope that there's something in the podcast for you.  To help you decide, we've listed some of the topics/questions that were asked and answered during the recording.  We began by looking at marketing within the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The need to be more focussed in today's market
• Do your existing clients know all of the services you provide?
• Target specific audiences for particular services
• Explore potential new markets by looking at things like changes in legislation
• Check that your business is geared up to chase potential new markets
• Are you engaging and making the most of your relationships?
• Is it relationships or price that really drives business?
• Are you humanising your organisation in order to encourage relationships?
• Is the construction industry making the best use of new technology such as Skype?

We also explore the value of collaboration and the benefits of forming partnerships, how much you should publicly promote partnerships, whether partnerships can get help you tender for bigger projects and, whether architects still play the lead role on construction projects.

We then move swiftly onto the subject of networking and explore the real value of networking events - can we really form lasting relationships from these meetings or, are they simply a hunting ground for salesmen?

Finally, we discuss the Contaminated Land Regulations and the planned changes in the legislation.  Along the way we discuss the following:

• The complexity of the current regulations
• Why we need different legislation in Scotland
• The Ravenscraig solution
• What defines contaminated land
• Is there a legal obligation for Local Authorities to request reports?
• The benefits and implications of assigning reports

We also learn about the pearls of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam .  Not content with that, Fraser explains why you don't want to get Newts on your boots!!!

During the recording we also talked about the role of SEPA and issue an invitation to them to take part in a future podcast so, if you know someone from SEPA perhaps you can share this blog and the podcast with them.

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and, if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast Episode 3 - Marketing in construction, contaminated land Regs and why not to get Newts on your boots!!!

Audience numbers continue to grow for the Block Podcast and we are extremely happy with the reaction to Episode 2 and the feedback we have received via Twitter and email, please continue to tell us what you think of each episode and any suggestions you may have for the future.  We are also keen to hear from anybody who would like to take part in future podcasts.

Episode 3 of the Block Podcast was recorded on the Tuesday 27th September and we were delighted to welcome back some guests along with one new one - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing 
• Fraser Duff, Director, Terrenus CDH
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

We covered lots of topics during our open and lively conversation and we hope that there's something in the podcast for you.  To help you decide, we've listed some of the topics/questions that were asked and answered during the recording.  We began by looking at marketing within the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The need to be more focussed in today's market
• Do your existing clients know all of the services you provide?
• Target specific audiences for particular services
• Explore potential new markets by looking at things like changes in legislation
• Check that your business is geared up to chase potential new markets
• Are you engaging and making the most of your relationships?
• Is it relationships or price that really drives business?
• Are you humanising your organisation in order to encourage relationships?
• Is the construction industry making the best use of new technology such as Skype?

We also explore the value of collaboration and the benefits of forming partnerships, how much you should publicly promote partnerships, whether partnerships can get help you tender for bigger projects and, whether architects still play the lead role on construction projects.

We then move swiftly onto the subject of networking and explore the real value of networking events - can we really form lasting relationships from these meetings or, are they simply a hunting ground for salesmen?

Finally, we discuss the Contaminated Land Regulations and the planned changes in the legislation.  Along the way we discuss the following:

• The complexity of the current regulations
• Why we need different legislation in Scotland
• The Ravenscraig solution
• What defines contaminated land
• Is there a legal obligation for Local Authorities to request reports?
• The benefits and implications of assigning reports

We also learn about the pearls of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam .  Not content with that, Fraser explains why you don't want to get Newts on your boots!!!

During the recording we also talked about the role of SEPA and issue an invitation to them to take part in a future podcast so, if you know someone from SEPA perhaps you can share this blog and the podcast with them.

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and, if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Supporting A Friend - Mr Jon-Marc Creaney (scarpadog)

Before I get into this blogpost I just wanted to quickly say thanks to everyone who donated to my charity www.justgiving.com/kenneth-martin. We have now reached our target of raising a massive £5000 for Yorkhill's Sick Children's Hospital, following the anniversary of my kidney to my dad. A massive thank you.

Now on the issue of fundraising this brings me onto the topic of the post. My former colleague and good friend Jon-Marc Creaney is currently going through treatment for Cancer. He is posting remarkable insights into his journey of recovery on his blog which you can follow here.

So, many of Jon-marc's friends are doing much fundraising for The Beatsons a charity which is devoted to helping people like Jon-marc through his recovery period. My wife Sandra and Jon-marc both attend the local Lanarkshire Business Group who are running a disco fundraiser for The Beatsons in association with Jon-Marc's Charity. If you would like to donate to this wonderful Charity you can find a link to the just giving page by clicking here.

EVERY PENNY HELPS SO PLEASE DONATE NOW

If you have found this post interesting please use the Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Share Buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance some of them will find it interesting too. Thank you

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Anniversary Of The Kidney Donation

And what a difference a year makes. Yes it on the 25th of August, only 2 days away, we will all celebrate the anniversary of the kidney donation. Quite a topical subject following the recent announcement on the news where the Government are considering paying for kidneys. What happened to that plan?

I am very pleased to say that both dad and myself now appear to be back to a 100% recovery. The kidney(my donnor kidney) is performing very well and my dad to date has suffered no set backs what so ever. Testimony perhaps to a fantastic team of surgeons and aftercare via Stobhill Clinic.

On behalf of my dad and I we would dearly like to thank all of the transplant team and a special thanks also to the renal team at Monklands Hospital for their fantastic support prior to the operation.

I've just remembered, and it seems funny to recollect, the week before the operation when my dad sprained his ankle and both mum and I had to support him into bed. We were all panic striken at the thought of the operation being cancelled but of course that didn't happen.

Dad is just back from Cambridge visiting my sister and I am also pleased to confirm that he went swimming with Elissa, his 2 year old grand daughter. Something he never thought he would ever be able to do. It was worth it all in the end and I never had any doubt.


So you will also all remember that we were raising funds for Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow and in particular their renal unit. I am very pleased to confirm that we raised (to date) £4746-00.

This is a little short of our £5000 figure that we hoped to achieve so if you are sitting reading this and have an emotional link or connection with the story or Yorkhill, then please do donate and help us get over the target.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

From Wattle and Daub and Back Again: An Architect Reflects

It seems that one of our earliest necessities was to have a place to call home, a roof over our heads and ancient architects and builders used whatever was lying around at the time to construct buildings.

We do the same nowadays but will our superior methods, materials and knowhow produce anything any better than our architect ancestors?

In The Beginning There Was Mud…
From Neolithic times onwards humans were great builders using mud, dust, sand and straw to create ‘mud-bricks’. These bricks would be sun dried and used to create a structure that would last around 30 years before it would need to be rebuilt.

Where there was access to trees wattle and daub was used to create homes. Tree branches would be woven together and covered in mud, wet soil, animal dung in fact anything considered ‘sticky’ would be daubed over the woven branches.

Stone and A Recycling Program…
On Orkney however Neolithic architecture was of stone and set into a rubbish tip to provide insulation, an early form of recycling perhaps…

The Excavations at Skara Brae, Orkney

This insulation would have been essential due to the harsh climate in the area and for over 600 years groups of people lived in the village of around ten houses. That was more than 6000 years ago…

As we progressed buildings got more and more elaborate and the architects of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome were to design buildings, monuments, statutes and tombs that would last for thousands of years. The pyramids at Giza are thought to have been completed around 4,500 years ago.

Interior Design and A Divine Connection…
Elaborate stonework and decoration became the norm at least in Europe and there are many buildings that still survive giving us a hint at what life was like in the Ancient Roman/Greek/Egyptian Empires.

The Temple of Horus

The Colosseum

Cities were founded, built and decorated in accordance with the apparent wishes of the Gods of the time and the architects of this era would use the movement of the sun, stars and other cosmological bodies to align and proportion their creations.

At least as far back as 300BC the Golden Ratio of 1:1.618 was being used in Greek architecture and it is thought that the design of the Parthenon is based on this.

Architecture seemed to be at the mercy of deities and yet here was mathematics making an appearance.

Did these architects know that their creations would stand the test of time, that thousands of year’s later human beings would still be marvelling at their achievements?

Lagging Behind…
Whilst Europe and Asia was building to last, many of the natives of Central America were still making mud bricks and using wattle and daub to create shelters and homes. It wasn’t really until contact was made with the European settlers that this style of architecture changed.

This was not the case in South America, however. In what we now call Bolivia the Incas created cities out of stone and a road network spanning much of the west coast of the continent. In fact the Inca architects and engineers could be credited with building the first suspension bridges!

These bridges were a necessity to keep the road system in operation and allow messages to be delivered by runners throughout the Inca Empire. Made from woven vegetation, wood and branches the rope bridges were maintained on an annual basis by nearby villagers which ensured that they remained strong.

The last Inca rope bridge having been reconstructed.

Onwards and Upwards…Literally!
If we fast forward through Medieval, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Expressionist and Art Deco styles of architecture we arrive at the present day.

All of these periods of design have had an affect on how an architect of today will design a building. There may be influences of on or more of these styles but modern construction materials allows for bigger, stronger and taller buildings than ever before.

Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai is currently the world’s tallest building. It stands more than half a mile high (2,717ft) and took around five years to complete. The foundations alone are made of over 45,000m³ of concrete weighing over 110,000 tonnes with the structure itself using 330,000m³ of concrete and 55,000 of steel rebar. After 22 million man hours the world’s tallest building was ready.

Is this our crowning architectural achievement? Is this as high as we can go? Will our predecessors still be marvelling at this structure in a thousand years? Who can say…

Back To Basics…
The circle of life is never ending and it would seem that the circle of architecture is the same. Yes, we are more advanced and yes, we have better techniques but we seem to be returning in part to our ancient architect roots.
Green architecture is popular today and more and more people are returning to more traditional methods of construction and using more environmentally friendly materials.

Insulation can be made from recycled newspapers, denim jeans and blast furnace slag helping to reduce the amount of rubbish heading to landfill sites. Using rubbish as insulation sounds familiar…

Walls can be constructed using bamboo, rammed earth, clay, baked earth, sisal, see grass etc.

Sounds similar to wattle and daub…

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.