Planning Application approved for new Residential Annex and Recording Studio in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham.

​

Introduction

 

Following on from a successful Certificate of Lawfulness Application for new garden studio the applicant changed their project parameters and now wanted to build an annex in the rear garden that could accommodate the office and recording studio uses already approved under on roof with a residential element to allowed for multi generational living at the property.  In terms of the requirement for planning permission it is the introduction of primary living accommodation in the form of  a bedroom that necessitates the requirement for full planning approval in the form of a householder planning application.

​

The application site is located in Handsworth Wood which is an area located in the northwestern part of Birmingham, England. Handsworth Wood's history can be traced back to ancient times when the area was predominantly woodland. It was part of the ancient Forest of Arden, an extensive forest that covered much of Warwickshire and Staffordshire.nHandsworth Wood, like many areas in Birmingham, experienced significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. The expansion of industries such as manufacturing, metalworking, and coal mining in Birmingham led to an increase in population and urbanization.  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Handsworth Wood underwent residential development. The area saw the construction of large Victorian and Edwardian houses, which were primarily occupied by the affluent middle class. Many of these properties still exist today and contribute to the area's architectural character. Today, Handsworth Wood is a vibrant residential area with a mix of housing types, ranging from large period homes to modern developments. It is known for its green spaces, including Handsworth Park, which provides recreational opportunities for residents. The area also has a strong sense of community, with local organizations and events that bring residents together.

 

The Planning application Process

 

En-Plan formulated a full planning application that was subsequently submitted to, and approved by, Birmingham City Council Planning Department.  The proposal gained approval not only for a residential element but also gained approval for a new recording studio, office and art studio The building as a whole will create seventy square meters of new development and allows great flexibility in the accommodation on offer at the property and for more spacious accommodation in terms of roof height as the issue with domestic curtilage allowed under permitted development rights the the overall height of the building is restricted to 2.5 meters in height of within a metre of the boundary.  The newly approved annex allowed for 2.4 metres as minimum in terms of roof height alone which then  allow for uses such as a gym to be accommodated in the project.

​

The Building Regulations Phase

​

En-Plan have now submitted Building Regulations Full Plans Application to deal with the construction detail required for the build.  The challenges facing the project are the presence of a railway embankment to the rear of the annex that will require the permission of Network Rail in order to builds in close proximity to the railway line and ensure no impact on the embankment will occur as a result of the scheme. We are currently working with Building Consents who are a private Building Inspection Firm.  Once this is done we will submit the approved specification to Network Rail for approval prior to going out to tender on the project.

​

As a brief aside on the difference between Local Authority and Private Building Inspectors they both work from the same approved documents and work to the same building standard. The Private Inspectors cannot undertake regularisation certificates for work completed without Building Regulations Approval.  The fees will largely be the same although the Local Authority will have a set list of fees with a Private Inspector quoting on the complexity of the job. In essence though Private Inspectors are authorised by the Council to sign off the work you complete.  It is important to research the market and work with an Inspector that is recommended and has a proven track record.  We are more than happy to work with you to assist you in this process.

​

Further Information

 

If you would like to find out more about how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

​

READ MORE NEWS