Frequently Asked Questions

Some projects require full planning permission, while others may fall under permitted development. The answer depends on the type of work, the size and design of the proposal, the property itself, and whether any planning restrictions affect the site. We can assess your project and advise on the most appropriate route before you commit to the next stage.

Yes. If a planning application has been refused, we can review the proposal, assess the planning context and consider the most realistic next step. Depending on the reasons for refusal, that may involve revising the design, preparing a new application, or supporting a planning appeal. The aim is always to give clear, honest advice on the route most likely to move the project forward.

Permitted development allows certain types of work to be carried out without a full planning application, provided specific limits and conditions are met. Even where a project may fall under permitted development, clear drawings are still important. They help confirm the proposal properly, support lawful development certificate applications where needed, and provide a reliable basis for the next design or technical stage.

A lawful development certificate is an official confirmation that proposed or completed work is lawful under planning rules. Many homeowners apply for one where a project is believed to fall under permitted development, as it provides useful reassurance for the build process and for future sale or remortgage purposes.

Yes. We regularly help homeowners with house extensions, loft conversions and wider home improvement projects. Support can include early design advice, measured surveys, planning drawings, planning applications, building regulations drawings and guidance on the next steps needed to move towards construction.

Yes. We support a range of rural projects, including barn conversions, stables, ménages, paddock land and agricultural buildings. Rural sites often involve additional planning considerations, so early advice can make a big difference in understanding what is realistic and how best to shape the proposal.

A measured survey records the existing layout and dimensions of a property so accurate drawings can be prepared. This is often the foundation for extension design, loft conversions, planning applications and building regulations work. Starting with dependable survey information helps reduce guesswork and makes the later stages of the project more reliable.

Building regulations drawings are the detailed technical drawings needed to help demonstrate compliance and prepare a project for the next stage of delivery. They usually go beyond planning drawings and include more construction-focused information. These drawings are commonly needed for extensions, loft conversions, internal alterations and new build projects.

In many cases, yes. Planning permission and building regulations approval are separate matters. A project may have planning approval in place but still need detailed technical drawings and formal building regulations approval before work can proceed properly.

Yes. The live site states that AVD supports both building regulations and NHBC submissions as part of a fuller design and planning service. This is particularly relevant for some new build and development-led projects where technical compliance and approval routes are part of the wider delivery process.

Yes. We work with homeowners, property developers, land investors and clients exploring wider development opportunities. Some projects involve a single home, while others involve subdividing land for new build plots or assessing the potential of more complex sites. Our role is to help shape a practical and realistic route forward based on the type of opportunity involved.

Yes. We can support clients looking to develop and subdivide land for new build plots, assess the potential of residential sites, and shape viable development proposals. Early design and planning advice is especially valuable where land value, planning policy and site constraints all need to be considered together.

We usually begin by understanding your goals, the site or property involved, and the likely planning or technical route. From there, support can include measured surveys, concept design, planning drawings, planning submissions, building regulations packages and related coordination. The aim is to keep the process clear, practical and proportionate to the type of project you are undertaking.

That depends on what you need. Some clients need help right from the earliest concept stage, while others come to us for planning support, technical drawings or a specific part of the process. We can tailor the service to suit the project and the stage you are at, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

The wider content prepared for the site positions AVD strongly around Hinckley, Leicestershire, Warwickshire and surrounding areas, while the live website also references experience across residential and rural projects in the region. If you are unsure whether your project falls within the right area, the simplest next step is to get in touch and ask.

The best place to start is with an initial conversation about your property, site, or idea. We can then advise on the likely process, the level of support needed, and the most sensible next step, whether that involves a survey, design work, planning advice or a more detailed application route.