Planning Applications UP

Planning applications submitted in the UK are up January – March 2011 from same period last year after a dip in October – Decemeber 2010.

Also interesting to note is approvals are down. This would perhaps represent the increase in complexity and and changes in the planning policy and local authorities. Areas of complicity could be changes in Permitted Development Act in 2008. Also changes to Environmental Agency flood risk requirements.

Other possible factors;

Developers looking to increase density to recoup cost of land from the height of the market.

Lack of clear and quality pre application advice from local authorities

We suggest getting good advice from your architect and planning consultants early in any project to manage expectations and achieve best development potential coupled with the best process possible.

New Interior Furniture Showroom comes to Stanmore

Mac and Mac Contemporary Furniture showroom has come to stanmore on the high street. YOOP welcomes a high quality furniture shop with its designer furniture for the home and office.

We quite like the magis me too puzzle carpet children’s toy by s. pakhalé

Cash & Carry Family Business Celebrates 35 years!

Dhamecha Cash & Carry Group celebrated its 35 years of successful business. Five hundred guests filled London Marriott Hotel to help Dhamecha celebrate in style. Food from around the world was mixed with stilt walkers, belly dancers and a snake charmer.

YOOP Architects are proud to have worked on many of their cash & carry sites and congratulate them on their success, we look forward to continuing our good reltionship.

Cost Benefit of Home Improvements

When homeowners are looking to undertake works on their properties they always ask how much it will cost. Just as important is how much value will it create.
Here is a quick summary as reported in the Financial Times July 16, 2011.

Loft Cost £30-50k Value £60-70k
New Bathroom Cost £3-5k Value £4-7k
New Garden Room Cost £10-20k Value £20-30k
New Kitchen Cost Cost £20-30k Value £25-30k
Kitchen Extension Cost £30-50k Value £75-100k
New Kitchen Cost £20-30k Value £25-30k

So the biggest winners are if you actually add space, ie the rear extension and loft, which seems to have a value of twice what you spend.
The surprise is the garden room. These can be achieved under permitted development, so you can just do it. These rooms become hobby rooms, play rooms or just storage to free your house from clutter. For any further advice on the above, call Gordon 02089546291 ge@yooparchitects.co.uk