Architectural Plans

[Bazile]

We have had some plans drawn up for our extension , by a business offering Architectural Services .

The plans are detailed , showing how the extension should be constructed , and materials to be used 

Do we need a separate structural  drawing ?

 

[Buenchico]

As long as exactly what you're proposing is clear, almost any type of drawing will do, it seems!
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/business/23523755.lowestoft-cafes-council-application-drawing-raises-eyebrows/

[Atheist]

For a planning or LDC application no technical structural details should be necessary, apart from defining materials.

[The Builder]

Absolutely agree with the others Baz. I've even drawn up a couple of extension plans myself, remembering simple technical drawing classes in school.

The most important thing you'll need is a 'site plan'. It must show the whole site with position and preferably measurements relative to the boundaries. 

You'll probably be asked for a 'block plan'.  That's simply a street plan showing exactly where the property is.  

You Architectural Tech will know all about this.

Structural details not normally required.  Don't worry. If the Planning Dept. need any more info, they'll simply ask your agent (Arch. Tech.) or you if you apply personally.

[Bazile]

Thanks

Ok, so it's not needed for the planning department  .

What about from the aspect of ensuring that the existing building and  extension will be structurally sound ?

 

[The Builder]

That'll be covered by Building Control when they inspect the works as they proceed.

Building Regs are easy compared to dealing with Planning

Nothing to worry about there Baz.

 

[Bazile]

Thanks TB 

So will building regs people look at the plans before the work starts to make sure what is proposed is structurally safe to proceed with before the work starts  - eg that the correct supports (rsj - is that they are called ?) are shown in the plans for where a supporting wall is to be removed , for example ?

Sorry for these questions , that may seem silly to you :-)

 

 

[The Builder]

2 ways of complying with Building Regs.

1. Full plans.  Your Arch. Tech. uses your Planning drawings and annotates them with all the detail (for the builder), to enable him to do the job. Before work starts, Building Control check the drawings. When everything is Ok, Building Control Approval is given.

2. I tend to use the other way: Building Notice. Essentially, you submit a Building Notice. It's a very brief outline of what the work entails. Drawings are only submitted if the Building Inspector needs clarification.  

This is much cheaper than Full Plans. It works for people like me who know the Inspectors, and already have a good working relationship. The onus is on the builder. 

In your case, I would suggest the more costly Full Plans. Simply because, if the builder isn't getting it right, any inevitable 'punch-up' between builder and inspector leaves you as piggy in the middle... and you're the one paying for all this.

Full Plans ensure that it's built to comply. It's in the drawings. No punch-ups. It costs more, but it puts you in a better position. That's it briefly.

As for openings and other structural elements, It depends. In some cases the Inspector can accept standard lintels available from the merchants. Most often though, they'll ask for 'calculations.'  I've used Arch. Techs who are also Structural Engineers. So it's all in-house. Otherwise, simply engage a separate Struc. Eng. to calculate. It's basically some A-level Maths. Loads/deflections/bending moments etc.

You may as well be up with the jargon too Baz.  'RSJ' is the old name (rolled steel joist.) Today it's Universal Beam 'UB' (horizontal) and Universal Column 'UC' (vertical.)

I hope I haven't made this even more complicated than it is. As for questions: there are no 'silly questions' only 'silly answers'.  😊