Create a brief that tests the building
Before commissioning a complete application package, assemble the information that helps your team understand the building and your aims. The following is our suggested early-stage checklist, not a guarantee of eligibility or a council validation list.
Make clear whether you are investigating a purchase, already own the property or have appointed an architect. That helps define the purpose of the initial advice.
Gather the existing information
- Address and the extent of the building and land being considered.
- Current and previous uses, with dated records where available.
- Planning decisions, approved drawings, conditions and previous council correspondence.
- Measured plans or available drawings, photographs and access arrangements.
- An outline of the desired homes and any external alterations or extensions.
Flag missing or approximate information. Existing marketing plans can be useful for discussion, but your team should know whether dimensions have been checked.
Identify questions before ordering reports
Class MA prior approval includes specified matters such as transport impacts, contamination, flooding, noise and natural light. The applicable requirements depend on the scheme; consult the current Class MA provisions.
Our recommended approach is to agree a report schedule with the planning adviser and design team. For each proposed report, ask what question it answers, who will prepare it and which design information the specialist needs first.
Keep the planning and delivery budgets separate
Planning consent is not a substitute for other required approvals, including Building Regulations. Government guidance makes this distinction.
Ask for a written scope covering planning advice, statements, drawings, specialist reports and submission management. Record exclusions and likely decision points so that a planning fee is not mistaken for the whole conversion budget.
For a first discussion with Attain, send a concise project outline and the material already available. We can then agree the planning work needed alongside your existing consultants.