Some great tips for making a north facing room feel warmer.
With these hot summers, a north facing room might be a welcome cool space, but you still want it to look inviting.

https://www.realhomesmagazine.co.uk/blog/tips-for-decorating-a-north-facing-living-room/

I choose to chase my dreams

Some lovely ideas for an orangery from Real Homes magazine.
I much prefer an orangery to a conservatory.
Not sure of the difference?  read on

https://www.realhomesmagazine.co.uk/design/how-to-add-an-orangery/

20 Things you can do without Planning Permission

Includes ;

• Garages
• Single Storey Extensions
• Loft conversions
• Two Storey Extensions
• Walls and fences
• Solar Panels
• Basements
• Parking

and loads more

CLICK HERE 

So relevant in Self Build.
Get a great power team and learn as you go.

20 Things you need to know before extending your home

A great article from Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine.

Includes:

• Right to light
• Where can I put WC's and showers?
• Ceiling heights
• Site insurance
• Conservatories
• Basements
• Building Regs and more

Valuable things to consider when thinking of extending your home. 

CLICK HERE

Complete Guide to Planning Permission

Does your project require planning permission and if so how do you apply?

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What is planning permission?

Construction of new buildings and extensive changes to existing buildings usually requires consent from the local planning authority in the form of planning permission. This planning system is designed to control inappropriate development.

When do I need planning permission?

Anything that involves the creation of a new house, either by building from scratch or a subdivision, needs planning permission. Adding outbuildings or building extensions requires planning permission depending on the size of the project and the level of Permitted Development rights afforded to or still remaining on a property.

What are Permitted Development Rights?

The concept of Permitted Development was introduced at the very beginning of our planning system – in the Town and Planning Act on 1st July 1948 – and allows for minor improvements, such as converting a loft or modest extensions to your home, to be undertaken without clogging up the planning system. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each benefit from their own version of these rules.
The level of work that can be carried out under Permitted Development depends on a variety of factors including location (Areas of Natural Beauty and Conservation Areas have different rules), and the extent of work already carried out on a property

You can see a list of things you can do without planning permission here.

What’s the difference between Outline and Full planning permission?

Outline planning permission grants, in principle, the construction of a dwelling, subject to certain design conditions based on size and shape. The design information required with an Outline application however has to be so detailed that many developers decide a Full application is the best way to proceed.
If, however, your plot comes with Outline permission, you will need to examine the approval document, which will give you a good idea of the type of house you could end up building. ‘Full’ approval is likely on a design that follows these guidelines — but it is also true to say that other design schemes could be approved.

How much will an application cost?

The fee for submitting a planning application varies depending on the nature of the development. The cost is currently £385 for a full application for a new single dwelling in England, but this fee is different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For home improvers, an application in England for an extension currently costs £172, whereas in Wales the cost of a typical householder application is currently £166.
As well as fees for pre-application advice, further small sums are payable for the discharge of ‘planning conditions’ which must be met before development begins.

What is the basic form of a planning application?

Each site has different requirements but generally an application should include five copies of application forms, the signed ownership certificate, a site plan, block plan and elevations of both the existing and proposed sites, a Design and Access Statement and the correct fee.

What’s a Design and Access statement, how do I get one, and how much will it cost?

These statements have to accompany all planning applications besides householder building works in unprotected areas and changes of use. Statements are used to justify a proposal’s design concept and the access to it. The level of detail depends on the scale of the project and its sensitivity. Most authorities will have guidance notes available to help you but, unfortunately, unless you ensure you have included one in your submission, planning authorities can refuse to register your planning application.

What are planning Conditions?

Planning permission can be subject to planning conditions which need to be discharged/agreed within a given time. Planning conditions are extremely important and failure to comply can result in what is called a breach of condition notice, to which there is no right of appeal — not to mention it could be enforced through the courts by prosecution.
Conditions might be as simple as requiring that materials must match existing ones, or that all boundary treatments must be agreed.

How are applications decided?

The local authority will base its decision on what are known as ‘material considerations’, which can include (but are not limited to):

• Overlooking/loss of privacy
• Loss of light or overshadowing
• Parking
• Highway safety
• Traffic
• Noise
• Impact on listed building and Conservation Area
• Layout and density of building
• Design, appearance and materials
• Government policy
• Disabled access
• Proposals in the development plan
• Previous planning decisions
• Nature conservation

While neighbours are consulted and invited to comment, together with parish councils (in England and Wales), only objections based on material considerations are taken into account. If the neighbours do not object and the officers recommend approval, they will usually grant planning permission for a householder application using what are known as delegated powers.
If there are objections or the application is called into a committee by one of the local councillors, then the decision will be made by a majority vote by the local planning committee. At the planning meeting, you or your agent will be given an opportunity to address the planning committee, but this time is limited to a maximum of three minutes.

Getting Planning Permission in the Countryside: Paragraph 55

Many believe it is harder to get planning permission if you are building a home in the countryside. However it certainly isn’t out of the question as our guide to planning permission in the countryside explains.
In fact, under Paragraph 55 of the National Planning Policy Framework, it is even possible to build in green belt land, if your project can be shown to be of particular architectural merit and worth.

Do I Need a Planning Consultant?

Many people will appoint a planning consultant before they even buy a plot, to work out the potential of a development. This could save you thousands of pounds on buying a project that turns out not to be feasible.
Planning consultants have full knowledge of the ever-changing planning policies that any project will be subject to. So, whether you are extending, renovating or building a new home, their help could be indispensable — especially if your project is in an area of which carries restrictions such as a Conservation Area or AONB.

How long does is take to get planning permission?

Once your application has been submitted, the planning department will check that all of the information it requires has been received together with the correct fee. Local authorities are supposed to determine planning applications within 10 to 12 weeks of registration, and the majority of straightforward householder applications will be dealt with within this timeframe.
A sign is posted outside the address relating to the proposed development and any neighbours likely to be affected are written to and invited to view the plans and to comment. This is known as the public consultation process and it takes three to eight weeks. The authority will make statutory consultations to the local Highways department, and where necessary the Environment Agency as well as others.

What if my planning application is refused?

In England around 75 per cent of applications are granted. If your application is refused, you can either amend and resubmit having dealt with the reasons for refusal, or you can make an appeal to the planning inspectorate — around 40 per cent of householder applications that are refused are later granted at appeal.

How long do I have to begin work?

Planning permission is typically granted for three years — meaning you must begin work in that time or face reapplying.

Can I alter my plans once Full permission has been granted?

You can make minor alterations by applying for a non-material amendment. However, major alterations could involve a further application for Full planning permission, so discuss your plans with your LPA first.

What happens if I carry out works without planning permission?

While it is not illegal to develop land without planning permission, it is not lawful and, consequently, if you have failed to get consent for your project, then the local planning authority can take action to have the work altered or demolished. In this instance, you can make a retrospective planning application and if this is refused you can appeal the decision. If you lose, it can prove very costly.
There is a legal loophole: if no enforcement action is taken within four years of completion, the development becomes immune from enforcement action (10 years for a change of use). The development then becomes lawful — but this is too great a risk to take.
Altering a listed building without prior permission is, however, a criminal offence, and in extreme cases it can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines — and even imprisonment. So do ensure you apply for this first.

Can I extend planning permission?

If you were granted planning on or before 1st October 2009, and it has not already run out, you can apply to extend it. The form is available here on Planning Portal and is subject to a fee of £50.

5 things you need to know about planning permission

• You can make a planning application on any piece of land in the country — you don’t have to own it.
• Your planning decision should take no longer than eight weeks from the point of application.
• The objections of neighbours and local people may well not have any impact on the final decision.
• You can withdraw an application at any time — so if you think you are going to get a refusal, you can withdraw it at any time up to the day itself, and resubmit free of charge.
• You can submit an infinite number of planning applic­ations on any one site — and choose which one to use. As long as it is current, you don’t have to use the most recent.

Standardised forms

Since April 2008, all local planning departments use the same application form, known as 1APP, you can find the appropriate form for your area and complete the application process online at the Planning Portal.

SOURCE https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/planning-permission/

What to Expect From the Building Inspector

Whether you are undertaking a new build, an extension or making structural alterations to your home, you will need Building Regulations approval. Builder Peter Eade covers what to expect, explains the different types of building inspector, and the different statutory inspections you can expect as your project progresses

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Whether you are undertaking a new build, an extension or making structural alterations to your home, you’ll need Building Regulations approval from your local building inspector.

There is sometimes confusion about the difference between planning and Building Regulations approval:

Planning approval relates to receiving permission from the local authority to build an extension or new dwelling.

Building Regulations approval is a completely separate process and ensures that the proposed structure will be built in full compliance with the Building Regulations.

An important part of getting approval is having the benefit of a building inspector to carry out regular site visits.

Building inspectors are professionals and have a complete working knowledge of the many regulations. Their job is to ensure that at completion the project has been built in full compliance with each of them.

Choice of Full Plans or Building Notice Application

Before any work can begin, you need to decide whether to make a ‘Full Plans’ Building Regulation application or submit a ‘Building Notice’.

With a Building Notice, it is possible to carry out the work without prior approval, but the responsibility of ensuring the work is in full compliance is entirely that of the builder.

If you choose a Full Plans application, you will know from the start that the working drawings have been checked and approved by the building inspector and that the plans fully comply with all of the Building Regulations.

These regulations are comprehensive and quite complex. A Full Plans application would need to include a set of plans that demonstrate to the building inspector that what is being proposed conforms fully to the regulations.

The other advantage of this route is that the approved drawings will show everything the builder will need to know in order to provide a fixed quotation.

What Type of Building Control Inspector?

These days, you can choose to use either a local authority inspector or an inspector from a government-approved private building inspection company. This is the case for new builds, as well as alterations, extensions and loft conversions.

If you require an insurance warranty on the project the work will also need to be regularly inspected by the warranty inspector. Some warranty providers also offer a private building inspection service, which can be cost-effective.

Statutory Inspections

Once the plans have been approved, they become the only ones that are used to build the project. Before starting any work, it’s a good idea to compare the approved Building Regulation plans with the original planning drawings.

• If the Building Regs plans deviate in any way from the planning approved drawing, this needs to be addressed before any work starts.

Further Checks by the Building Inspector

As the job moves forward the building inspector will usually carry out additional checks:

• They may need to see the floor and ceiling joists to ensure they are in accordance with the approved drawing.
• They will want to check the size, grade and centres of the joists, together with any herringbone strutting and restraint strapping.
• All of the roof timber/trusses may be checked for correct size and grade of timbers at the correct spacing.
• They will be interested in both thermal and sound insulation to make sure it is of the correct type and thickness.
• The structural integrity of the building is very important, but equally the fire safety and glazing regulations need to be precisely adhered to.
• The staircase must conform to several important rules. If there are problems they can be expensive to put right.

If the work is being carried out by someone new to construction or who is an enthusiastic DIYer, the inspector will be able to visit the site more often if requested.

The approved plans do not always illustrate compliance to every regulation and on-site mistakes can happen.

Advice and Guidance

• If in doubt, it is easier to check a particular regulation before a job is carried out, by asking the inspector.
• To achieve the smooth running of any project and to avoid too many delays due to things being incorrect, it makes sense to keep on the right side of the inspector. They are there to help and are usually very willing to offer advice.
• Any project that has received guidance and advice from the inspector will pay dividends in the long term.

Statutory Inspections

There are usually eight statutory inspections, which have to be made during the course of construction. Generally the inspector will want to make quite a few additional visits as the work proceeds.

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Statutory Inspection 1

At least two days before any work begins, it is a statutory requirement that the building inspector is informed that the work is about to start.

The inspector will call at the site once they have been notified. This visit can be useful as he or she can meet the builder and generally check the site conditions. Once the first visit has taken place, a one-off invoice is issued to cover the cost of the first and all subsequent inspections.

With a Building Notice, there is just one full up-front payment made at the time of making the application.

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Statutory Inspection 2

The next statutory inspection is the excavation before placing the concrete foundations.

This allows the inspector to check on ground conditions and look at:

• The bearing capacity of the ground
• Proximity and depth of any drains and manholes
• Depth of the existing foundation (if it’s an extension)
• Proximity of any trees or recently removed trees
• Whether the ground is ‘made up’ (manmade)

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Statutory Inspection 3

The next inspection is the preparation of the oversite.

The inspector will determine the suitability of the hardcore, the provision of sand blinding and the damp-proof membrane (DPM). If a sub-floor thermal insulation is specified, this will also be checked.

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Statutory Inspection 4

Once the footing walls have been brought up to the damp-proof course (DPC) level this also requires a statutory inspection

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Statutory Inspection 5

All new drainage is inspected prior to covering.

The items checked will include the suitability of materials used, the correct falls and line of the drains, materials used for the beds and surrounds of the drains and inspection chambers and access points.

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Statutory Inspection 6

Drainage testing — wherever possible the above and below ground drainage will be checked for airtightness or watertightness

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Statutory Inspection 7

When the building is occupied prior to completion, the local authority needs to be notified.

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Statutory Inspection 8

This inspection is often overlooked, but it is important that the inspector has a final walk round to check:

• Ventilation to rooms and roof voids
• Roof coverings
• Fire precautions and fire safety
• Safety glazing
• Staircase details and geometry

SOURCE 
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/what-does-a-building-inspector-do/