Q&A

If you have internet access go to the web site of your local government authority. If not ring them and ask for Planning. All planning authorities set out their scale of charges for applying for planning permission. In addition some developments do not require planning permission so you should take their advice on that too. Just tell them what you want to do - they are invariably very helpful. One word of caution - almost everything you do in the way of building or renovating is now covered by strict building regulations. This is a different department at most local councils. Talk to them too. If you need further help pls do email me at Rosalie@oneoffinteriors.com

Excellent - thanks Rosalie, i'll definitely give the council a call (i hadnt expected them to be helpful!).

one tip - don't ask your neighbours! We asked our previous neighbours before embarking on a renovation project and they gave us complete misinformation; later we were to discover it was their attempt to throw us off the scent and delay our project... because they didn't agree with our plans! Many objections and appeals later we finally got permission but we always keep our cards close to our chest now.