PLANNING
For most garden rooms, planning permission is not required as these structures are covered under “permitted development” rights.
However, we recommend clients obtain a Lawful Development Certificate from the local Planning Department; this essentially proves to both local authority and future buyers the project was legal at the point of construction. This certificate offers protection in the event planning policies change, in turn enabling clients to authorise construction with confidence.
To comply with permitted development rights and adhere to the planning and building regulations, the garden room must comply with the following:
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it does not take up more than 50% of the area of land around the “original” house (includes any existing structures)
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the internal area is 30 sq. metres or less
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will not be used for living or sleeping accommodation
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the intended use is ancillary to the
main house -
has no verandas, balconies (or raised platforms in excess of 0.3 metres in height)
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is part of a property not subject to any special status (listed, conservation area etc)
Please note: There are other planning and building requirements that relate to the size of the garden room, in relation to the proximity to the boundary. We are happy to discuss this in more detail during our Pre-Build Consultancy meeting.
SERVICES
PRE-BUILD CONSULTANCY
PRE-BUILD CONSULANCY
Impala offers a free consultation service to help guide the client through all aspects of the proposed building project. Over the course of this pre-build stage, Impala can assist with the planning process (if required), project timescales and estimated costs
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
EXPERT ADVICE advising on the selection of fit-out items/finishes for the garden room
DOCUMENTATION project specification documents and a formal contract are created
COST CONTROL from the estimate of the building works, to maintaining and updating the projected cash flow
PROGRESS updates and onsite meetings. Timescales, deadlines and payments all tightly controlled
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT keeping control and managing the contractors and suppliers
ONE POINT OF CONTACT overseeing the entire process of the build; Impala represents, communicates and liaises on behalf of the client
END-TO-END CONTRUCTION
END-TO-END CONSTRUCTION
In addition to project management, Impala assumes the role as the main contractor for the project. Impala provides more than just a pure construction service, being conscious of every detail, it seamlessly coordinates and delivers from start to finish. Impala prides itself on handing over a complete and fully functioning garden room; on budget, on time
SITE MANAGEMENT a site manager is allocated to ensure the smooth running on a day to day basis
EXPERT TEAM trusted contractors and specialists are used throughout the build
HANDOVER a comprehensive meeting fully acquaints the client with all aspects of their new garden room
ABOUT US
Impala recognises each client is unique and has a different set of requirements for their garden room. The focus is on delivering bespoke solutions through working collaboratively with the client; providing easy to understand information and professional advice.
Impala actively restricts the number of live projects at any one time. This personalised service ensures a speedy build and attention to detail.
The company aim is to take the stress out of building and deliver projects on budget, on time.
Out of 50 nominees, Impala is proud to have won the Civic Society’s 2019 Annual Award and plaque for a residential project in St. Albans.
Further to this, Impala was also commended for an additional development in the town centre. The Civic Society looks for projects that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the character of St Albans. To have won, Impala has achieved the highest standards of architecture, planning, imaginative development, design initiatives and landscaping.
ANDREW READ BSc MA
DIRECTOR
Andrew has a degree in Construction & Engineering Management and a Masters in International Business Management. Andrew started his career working as a Project Manager in a large UK construction company; responsible for major construction projects.
Andrew then joined a local residential construction company as a Contracts Manager. In this role he was able to develop and adapt his commercial project management expertise for residential purposes.
In 2014, Andrew formed Impala Property Ventures to concentrate on residential projects in the St Albans/Harpenden area. Client recommendation and word of mouth remain the backbone of Impala’s new business development. Although the company has grown, Andrew continues to personally manage each Impala build.
Andrew is married and lives with his family in Harpenden. Andrew’s rugby-playing days are over, but he retains a strong interest in rugby (being South African it’s in the blood!) as well as many other sports. He is a member of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
TESTIMONIALS
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or wish to consult us about a garden room, do get in touch. Please fill in the contact form below, or call us on 01582 210 210
