At UNEK Building Consultants, we assist clients in navigating the often complex process of statutory approvals. Whether you’re planning a home extension, change of use, or undertaking works to a listed building, obtaining the correct consents is essential to ensure your project complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Our qualified Building Surveyors have extensive experience in preparing and submitting statutory applications on behalf of private homeowners, developers, and commercial clients across the UK.
What are Statutory Approvals?
Statutory approvals refer to the legal permissions that must be obtained before carrying out certain types of building work or changes in property use. These approvals ensure that developments are safe, sustainable, and in line with local and national planning policies.
While the most common approvals include Planning Permission and Building Regulations Consent, depending on the scope and location of your project, additional consents may be required, such as:
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Listed Building Consent
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Lawful Development Certificates
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Conservation Area Consent
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Certificate of Established Use
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Environmental Impact Assessments
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Advertisement Consent
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Approval of Conditions
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Felling or Lopping Trees
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Certificate of Immunity
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Scheduled Monument Consent
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Hazardous Substance Consent
Our team can advise on the specific approvals required for your project and manage the entire submission process on your behalf.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Planning permission is generally required for any works that alter the external appearance of a property or involve a change in its use. This includes:
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Rear and side extensions
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Loft, basement or garage conversions
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External alterations to facades, windows, or roofs
Some developments fall under Permitted Development Rights and may not require full planning permission, but these must still comply with relevant limits and conditions.
Note: While some internal alterations may not require planning consent, Building Regulations approval may still be necessary.
What Needs to Be Included in a Planning Application?
A successful application must be comprehensive and accurate. Typically, it will include:
✔️ Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
✔️ Site location plan and block plan
✔️ Completed application forms
✔️ Statutory declarations relating to ownership
✔️ Any notices served on landowners or stakeholders
Depending on the nature of your application, you may also need to provide:
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A Design and Access Statement
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Site surveys and assessments
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Arboricultural reports
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Heritage statements
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Supporting planning statements
Let Us Handle the Process for You. At UNEK, we understand how time-consuming and technical the statutory approvals process can be. That’s why our Building Surveying team offers a full application management service—from preparing accurate drawings and documentation to liaising with Local Planning Authorities and ensuring your submission meets all legal requirements.
Contact us today for professional advice or to obtain a free, no-obligation quotation. Let us simplify the process and help you move forward with confidence.