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Planning & Structural Work in Ashford Kent

Planning & Structural Work In Ashford Kent

Professional planning application support and structural engineering services for extensions, conversions, and building projects across Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and throughout Kent

Navigate building regulations and structural requirements with A.P.T. Builders planning and structural services. With over 18 years of experience serving Ashford and Kent, we provide comprehensive support for planning applications, Building Regulations compliance, and structural engineering solutions. From initial feasibility assessments through detailed structural calculations to final Building Control sign-off, we ensure your project meets all requirements while delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.

Complete Planning & Structural Services

Successful building projects require expert navigation of planning regulations, Building Control requirements, and structural engineering principles. We work with experienced architectural designers, structural engineers, and planning consultants to deliver complete solutions for your project. Our comprehensive service covers feasibility studies, planning applications, structural calculations, steelwork design, Building Regulations compliance, and ongoing liaison with Building Control ensuring approvals and certifications throughout your build.

Structural Work Ashford Kent

Our Planning & Structural Services

  • Planning Applications: Complete support on applications for extensions, conversions, and new builds
  • Permitted Development Advice: Expert guidance on rights and requirements for your project
  • Structural Calculations: Professional engineering calculations for foundations, steelwork, and loads
  • Building Regulations: Full compliance applications and ongoing Building Control liaison
  • Steelwork Design: RSJ specifications and installation for load-bearing requirements
  • Foundation Design: Structural specifications for adequate foundations and ground conditions
  • Party Wall Agreements: Managing party wall notices and neighbor relations professionally
  • Completion Certificates: Final Building Control sign-off and documentation for records

Our Planning & Structural Expertise

Planning Applications

Complete support on applications and submission for householder and full planning permissions.

Building Regulations

Full compliance across all parts including structure and fire safety.

Structural Engineering

Professional calculations for beams, foundations, floor loads, and structural alterations.

Steelwork Installation

RSJ beam specification, supply, and installation for load-bearing structural support.

Load-Bearing Walls

Structural assessment and solutions for removing or altering load-bearing walls safely.

Foundation Solutions

Ground assessment and foundation design for extensions, conversions, and new structures.

Planning Application Services

Navigating planning regulations can be complex, with different requirements depending on project type, location, and property characteristics. We provide expert guidance on whether planning permission is required and will help support submissions to local planning authorities. Our experience across Kent means we understand local planning policies, conservation area restrictions, and common approval conditions, maximizing your application's success while minimizing delays.

Planning Application Support

  • Feasibility Assessments: Initial evaluation of project viability and planning likelihood
  • Permitted Development: Detailed analysis of rights avoiding planning applications where possible
  • Application Preparation: Support in documentation, including plans, elevations, and supporting statements
  • Submission Management: Professional submission and ongoing liaison with planning officers
  • Neighbor Consultation: Guidance on neighbor notification and addressing concerns constructively
  • Appeals Support: Assistance with planning appeals if applications are refused initially
Planning Drawings Ashford Kent

Common Planning Applications

Householder Applications

Extensions, conversions, and alterations to residential properties requiring planning consent.

Full Planning Permission

Major works, new buildings, or projects exceeding Permitted Development allowances.

Conservation Areas

Specialist applications for properties in conservation areas with additional restrictions.

Listed Buildings

Listed building consent for alterations to heritage properties with special controls.

Structural Engineering Solutions

Structural Calculations

Essential

Professional structural engineering calculations required for Building Regulations, ensuring adequate support for loads, foundations, and structural alterations throughout your project.

  • ✓ Load calculations
  • ✓ Foundation design
  • ✓ Beam specifications
  • ✓ Building Regs compliance

Ideal for: All extensions, conversions, structural work

Steel Beam Installation

Load-Bearing

RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) beam design, supply, and installation supporting loads when removing walls, creating open-plan spaces, or building extensions and conversions.

  • ✓ Beam sizing calculations
  • ✓ Professional installation
  • ✓ Adequate load support
  • ✓ Building Control approval
  • ✓ Safe load transfer

Ideal for: Removing walls, open-plan conversions

Foundation Engineering

Ground Support

Foundation design and specifications based on ground conditions, ensuring adequate support for extensions, conversions, and new structures with proper load distribution.

  • ✓ Ground assessment
  • ✓ Foundation depth calculation
  • ✓ Concrete specifications
  • ✓ Drainage solutions
  • ✓ Building Regs compliant

Ideal for: Extensions, outbuildings, new builds

Wall Removal Solutions

Structural Change

Professional assessment and solutions for removing load-bearing walls safely, including temporary support, beam installation and structural.

  • ✓ Load-bearing assessment
  • ✓ Temporary support systems
  • ✓ Beam installation
  • ✓ Safe methodology
  • ✓ Building Control approved

Ideal for: Open-plan conversions, renovations

Building Regulations Compliance

We ensure full compliance with Building Regulations covering all essential aspects:

Part A - Structure

Structural stability including foundations, walls, floors, roofs, and load-bearing elements throughout.

Part B - Fire Safety

Fire safety provisions including escape routes, fire doors, alarms, and compartmentation requirements.

Part C - Site Preparation

Damp-proofing, ground stability, contamination, and proper site preparation for new structures.

Part F - Ventilation

Adequate ventilation systems preventing condensation and maintaining air quality throughout buildings.

Part L - Energy Efficiency

Thermal insulation, heating systems, and energy performance meeting current standards.

Part M - Access

Accessibility provisions for extensions and new buildings ensuring adequate access throughout.

Part P - Electrical Safety

Safe electrical installations with proper certification and Building Control notification.

Part H - Drainage

Proper drainage and waste disposal systems with adequate falls and connections.

Our Planning & Structural Process

1

Initial Consultation

We assess your project requirements, discuss feasibility, and advise on planning and structural needs

2

Planning Assessment

Evaluating whether planning permission is required and likelihood of approval for your project

3

Application Preparation

Advice in planning applications and structural calculations.

4

Submission & Liaison

Advice in submitting applications and maintaining ongoing communication with planning and Building Control

5

Approval & Construction

Securing approvals and proceeding with construction following approved plans and specifications

6

Inspections & Certification

Managing Building Control inspections throughout construction and securing completion certificates

Party Wall Agreement Services

The Party Wall Act 1996 requires formal agreements when building work affects shared walls or boundaries in semi-detached, terraced, or adjacent properties. We manage the entire party wall process, serving notices on neighbors, appointing surveyors if required, and ensuring compliance throughout construction. Our professional approach maintains good neighbor relations while protecting your legal position, handling any disputes constructively and ensuring work proceeds without delays or complications.

Steelwork Installation Ashford Kent

Our Party Wall Services

  • Party Wall Notices: Proper notification to neighbors as required by legislation
  • Surveyor Appointments: Coordinating party wall surveyors for agreed procedures
  • Schedule of Condition: Recording property conditions before work commences
  • Party Wall Awards: Formal agreements documenting approved works and protections
  • Dispute Resolution: Professional handling of disagreements through proper channels
  • Ongoing Liaison: Maintaining communication throughout construction projects

Expert Planning & Structural Services Services Across |Ashford Kent & Surrounding Areas

For over 18 years, A.P.T. Builders has been providing comprehensive planning and structural services throughout Kent, helping homeowners navigate complex regulations and engineering requirements. We understand that successful building projects depend on proper planning approvals, Building Regulations compliance, and sound structural engineering. Our expertise ensures your extension, conversion, or renovation meets all requirements while delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.

We work with experienced structural engineers, architectural designers, and planning consultants delivering complete solutions from feasibility assessments through final Building Control certification. Our local knowledge across Kent means we understand planning policies, common approval conditions, and Building Control expectations in Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, and throughout the county. This experience maximizes approval chances while minimizing delays and complications.

We proudly serve all areas of Kent including Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Dover, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate, and surrounding villages. Whether you're planning a single storey extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, or major renovation, our team provides the planning and structural expertise your project needs.

Why Choose A.P.T. Builders for Planning & Structural?

18+ Years Experience

Extensive expertise navigating planning and Building Regulations across all Kent authorities.

Complete Service

We advise in planning, give structural calculations, communicate with Building Control and construction.

Local Knowledge

Understanding Kent planning policies, conservation areas, and common approval conditions.

Building Control Liaison

Ongoing communication with Building Control ensuring inspections and compliance throughout.

Transparent Advice

Honest guidance on approval likelihood, timescales, and costs before committing to applications.

Full Certification

Complete Building Control certification and documentation for future property sales and records.

Navigate planning and structural requirements with A.P.T. Builders expert services. Professional advice on applications, calculations, and compliance across Kent. Making building projects simple.

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