Frequently Asked Questions

Our knowledge of the rural planning system, permitted development routes, and agricultural/heritage constraints means we can give you pragmatic advice and maximise your chances of approval.

Not always. Some projects fall under permitted development rights, like Class Q conversions or certain agricultural buildings. We’ll advise you on the best route.

Yes – we have extensive experience working with listed buildings and within sensitive rural and heritage settings. We balance respect for character with practical, creative solutions.

We offer a free Planning Feasibility Report to help assess the potential of your land. This includes planning policy checks, site constraints, and professional insight to help you decide on the next step.

A Land Promotion Agreement is a way to secure planning permission for land without taking on the cost or risk yourself. A promoter covers the costs and handles the planning process, then shares the profit when the land is sold.

Class Q is a form of permitted development that allows you to convert agricultural buildings into residential homes without needing full planning permission. It’s a great way to unlock value from disused or underused farm buildings.

More than you think!

Architects design and produce plans of building which are used in Planning and Construction.

Architects also work on the restoration, conservation and renovation of existing buildings.

We will guide you through your project from the very beginning until construction is complete.

Architects ensure that development work is done professionally, and complies with National Construction Standards. Using an architect will ensure that the building is well designed and realistic. They can also help you to find the best builder for the job, and manage the project whilst keeping you in budget.

The earlier the better. We are happy to provide advice and guidance as soon as you are ready to begin designing your construction project.

We will usually recommend that all projects start with a site visit initially. This allows us to gain a good understanding of the project, your brief, any site constraints, your objectives, and motivations behind the development. The site visit will also allow you the opportunity to ask questions, and gain advice.

Our services are tailored to you. You will be involved in every stage of the process, unless you choose not to be of course!

In a word No….

We know what planning officers look for, and we also work to ensure our work complies with the national planning policies that cover the entire country.

We are very experienced in obtaining planning approval and work hard on your behalf at every stage to take away stress and hassle from you. Working with us should be seen as an investment rather than a cost, as we will do our utmost to add value and to all aspects of your project.

We will liaise with independent consultants to produce supplementary documents as they are required. These might include: Environmental surveys, Flood Risk Assessments, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, to name a few.

Following the submission of your planning application, we will track progress, and continue to support the application through to the decision, keeping you up to date with all progress made.

No, and any Architectural and Planning Company worth their salt should not guarantee Planning Permission.

Part of the service that you receive as a client of ours, involves experience in dealing with the local authority, knowledge of precedents, and technical expertise.

Good Architect will use these factors, and create a design that is likely to be supported by the local authority. But there are no Guarantees! Sometimes the solution is compromise.

Living in a conservation area will mean that the conditions that you will need in order to gain planning permission will be stricter. The area in which you live is likely to have special architectural character or historical value that is worth preserving.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t build - but you will have to take into account special features of the area, materials, trees and the impact that the development might have on the surrounding properties and areas.

• Residential

• Extensions

• New build

• Barn conversions

• Commercial

• Equestrian Centres

• Specialists in: Heritage, Conservation, Rural property, Country Estate development and diversification

Yes, we specialise in Heritage, Conservation and Rural Property.

This will vary greatly depending on the nature and scale of the project. A timeline for the project can be outlined following the site visit.

We work throughout the Midlands. In certain circumstances, we will undertake projects outside of

this area.

TUK Rural has public Indemnity insurance up to the value of £1,000,000.

Affiliate Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.