You may or may not be aware that planning permission expires, so… how long does planning permission last for? By Anthony Walker Generally speaking, unless otherwise stated by the planning authority on your planning permission notice you have 3 years from the date of planning permission being granted to start the development. This was not always the case, and before the [...]

by Carl Croft   CDM should be a principal consideration for all projects. But what is CDM and how does it affect you?   CDM is the commonly used abbreviation for Construction, Design and Management. It is essentially the health and safety programme for the construction industry, with a number of responsibilities placed upon Clients, CDM co-ordinators (CDMc), Designers, Principal [...]

By Carl Croft If ear defenders, Pot Noodles and Wet Wipes aren’t your thing then you ought to consider decanting to better accommodation for the duration. However if you’re prepared to accept some disruption, then you might be considering the implications of occupation during building works. The aim of this post is to help you to make a decision on [...]

Knowing project costs is essential, but how much is planning permission for you? Read on.. By Anthony Walker Fees for planning applications vary greatly and depend on the size and type of development. They are a reflection of the size and complexity of workload for the local planning authority. For Permitted Developments schemes you are not required to apply for permission and [...]

Party Wall … actually they’re not nearly as fun as they sound, particularly if it all goes wrong. By Karen Shufflebotham The Party Wall Act The Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 can have a significant impact on projects where works are to occur around boundaries with neighbouring properties. When considering undertaking a project, you need to ensure  that you, or [...]

Permitted development can mean that planning permission isn’t required. So… What is permitted development, and what does it mean for you? By Anthony Walker The term Permitted Development refers to a set of minor alterations or extensions that a homeowner is allowed to make to their property without the need to apply for planning permission. Permitted Development Rights are a set of planning permissions which have [...]

Source: bbc.co.uk via Carl on Pinterest Applications are being taken for £1 Houses in Stoke. By Karen Shufflebotham Stoke-On-Trent City Council are currently taking applications for one of 35 derelict houses for sale at just £1 each in Cobridge, Stoke-On-Trent. The £1 houses come with the offer of loans of up to £30,000 to help complete essential repairs to be repaid [...]

Many people wonder how to choose an architect, we think it’s easy, here’s how… By Carl Croft Now I know that you’re thinking the next words to hit your eyeballs are going to be “Look no further, come and talk to Croft Architecture”. Of course you are more than welcome to talk to us for more detailed advice on how to choose [...]

The Middleport Community Design Festival by Carl Croft The Middleport Community Design Festival was successfully hosted at St. Paul’s Church in Middleport on the 22nd and 23rd March. the two day event feature talks from the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Terry Crowe, the local MP Joan Walley, and energy efficiency expert Bill Dunster among others. The event was held to [...]

Croft Architecture is urging residents to get involved as designs get underway to regenerate Middleport.   Middleport played a major part in the growth of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent but has seen many residents move away in recent years as old homes fell into disrepair.   Now a Community Design Festival is to be held with local people being challenged to [...]