Different stages of planning permission and/or building warrants in Scotland
You don’t always need planning permission and a building warrant, however 9 out of 10 construction projects may require at least one of them if you plan on doing alterations/construction works to your home.
Find out here if your project is exempt from a building warrant.
Most architects will meet the client to discuss their project and take a brief (description of the works). This is when the architect starts to sketch basic designs of what the client is hoping to achieve.
Once the client is happy with the sketch proposals, the architect will produce more detailed plans and also be able to confirm if planning permission is required.
The architect/technician will apply for the permissions with the local authority and will be the main contact between client, structural engineer, local authority and eventually the contractor.
The Local Authority Planning or building standards department will vet the plans to check they comply with planning legislation/building regulations, they will then either ask for additional information/approve the plans. Once approved, the council will provide a compliance plan (CCNP), that states the stages you/contractor need to contact the council for inspections such as, 7 days of starting the works, foundations, drainage and timber kit with insulation before plasterboard.
After the plans are approved, your contractor can start the works.
After all works are complete, then the client should apply for the completion certificate (sometimes the Architect can do this for a small fee). When applying for the completion certificate, the local authority will normally require electrical certificates, gas certificates and truss certificates before they will release the completion certificate.
Have a look at our other blog regarding when to hire an Architect.
