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Agb Designs is freelance designer Adam Brown
Based in Shepshed nr Loughborough, Leicestershire.

With over 11 years experience in the architectural industry, turning ordinary peoples dreams into an outstanding reality.
From Domestic Extensions and Chapel conversions to Retail developments.

AGB produce inspirational designs working with your initial brief and within building and planning regulations.
A subtle art of compromise and clever use of space.

Modern architecture is leaning towards openness, space and natural light. Vast, glazed areas that shower daylight into living space are the current domestic trend.

AGB have created this environment for countless homes, drawing on a wealth of experience, vision and a real passion for good design. Lets create better space.

Thankyou for visiting my site and I hope to hear from you soon,
               Adam Brown

Agb Designs offer the following professional services


Domestic Extensions
Extending your home is a popular trend that's forever on the increase.
Mainly, we believe, because it offers a more cost effective way of achieving that extra bit of space.

Whether it be the master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite you've always wanted, a study, play room for the children or an extended kitchen diner that will accommodate your friends family and guests, we have the imagination, creativity and experience to bring these dreams to life.


Loft conversions
We believe that most people are sitting under a hidden asset that has never seen the light of day.

Your attic is most probably used as a general storage area, and is accessed no more than 4 - 5 times a year.
Yet, with a little imagination and inspiration your loft could be transferred into versatile living space.
In general, the conversion of existing loft and attic areas has proven very popular over recent years, mainly due to the high demand of extra habitable living space. This is especially apparent where there’s limited ground floor area, that otherwise would accommodate a standard extension.
Our surveyor can assess whether your loft has the potential to be converted to form further living space.

AGB Design Consultants work closely with and recommend Lee Chamberlain Lofts to carry out your loft conversion.
> Visit the Lee Chamberlain Lofts website


Retail outlet conversions A3 etc
Here at AGB we can offer you a service to obtain the required planning consents to successfully open and operate a retail outlet.
Whether it be a Hairdressing salon, Hot food takeaway or any other outlet that requires premises from which to trade.
Take advantage of our services when launching your new business or breathing new life into an existing building with an exciting refit. We have the experience and vision to help you progress your business.


New build - Houses, Bungalows, Garages
The development of vacant pieces of land and large, excessively sized gardens for dwellings has steadily been on the increase. New build schemes showing bungalow themed dwellings are extremely popular at present, mainly because they tend to make less impact upon the surrounding area, and adjacent properties.

At AGB Design, we can ascertain whether a plot of land has the potential to be developed. There are five main considerations which must be adhered to at this early stage:

1) The general character of the area
2) The effect of the new dwelling
3) Residential Impact
4) The effect of access
5) Coping with vehicles

Each proposed New Build contract is judged and based upon its’ own merits by taking the above points into consideration.

In addition to detailed plans for the proposed dwelling itself, landscaping schemes showing boundary layouts, vehicular access points and car parking arrangements are detailed to accompany the application.


Barn and Chapel conversions
These types of developments are viewed more from a renovation perspective, - that is to see beyond the buildings’ current form with a hint of inspiration, to deliver a modern habitable look and feel, which is acceptable both to the client and local planning authority.

Here, the emphasis is to retain the original character and aesthetical appearance of the building, whilst subtly blending modern architectural techniques.


Flat Development and Student accommodation
The conversion of disused factories, office suites and large dwellings into self contained flats, are proving rather prominent in today’s fast track world. Many professional people are favouring the ‘inner city’ life, substituting the usual three bedroom semi for something a little different.

AGB provides the knowledge and experience to ascertain whether a building and its surrounding area has the potential to be converted.

A number of considerations must be taken into account to determine the proposals’ feasibility; sustainable off road car parking, provision of amenity areas, waste storage facilities and secure cycle storage areas to name but a few.

Student Accommodation
Local Planning Authorities have recently reviewed their stance on the proposed development of areas for student accommodation. We feel that this is to avoid over intensification of students within urban areas where local residents have resided for many years.

We therefore liaise closely with Planning Officers to ensure suitable proposals fall within and meet the criteria set out in the latest planning guidelines.
AGB once again can provide an expert service in evaluating whether a particular site has the potential to be utilised as Student Accommodation.


Conservatories
Anyone who has enjoyed a summer evening, with steaks on the barbecue and a glass of wine in hand, will confirm a conservatory extends and enhances your social life!

It allows you to extend your home into the garden, giving a feeling of light and space and, by opening up the doors, allows the warm fragrance of summer to waft gently through the house.

Your conservatory is the perfect place for lunch with the family or afternoon tea with friends spent admiring the splendor of your garden.

Do I need planning permission? 
In England and Wales you will not usually require planning permission, provided you do not exceed the permitted development limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on where you live).
Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. Please note that if your property has been extended in the past - you will have used up some or perhaps all of your "permitted development" area and may need permission.
It is also worth noting that occasionally "permitted development" rights may be withdrawn from a property and any extension however small needs planning.

Do I need Building Regulation approval?
Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property are exempted under Building Regulations. ( England and Wales)
Below are some of the Exemption Criteria - under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt:

a) The extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
b) The extension walls are substantially glazed. (Should not have more than 25 % of its wall area as brickwork)
c) The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m squared.
d) The extension is sited at ground level.
e) The extension is permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a door.
f) Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls).
g) The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass).
h) The extension does not contain any drainage facilities (i.e. sink, WC)


Gymnasium / games room
With more and more people opting for healthier lifestyles, what would be more beneficial than to create your very own health studio within the surroundings of your own home?
Whether it be a cardio vascular suite, an area dedicated to a multi gym and free weights, or quite simply a quiet area for yoga and relaxation, an additional fitness room would certainly enhance anyone’s lifestyle.
In the past, we have been asked to incorporate wet rooms and toilet / shower facilities to these types of developments, which in our opinion work’s really well, in that the gymnasium area itself is totally independent to the living quarters, meaning you can work out, shower, and then re-join the rest of the household.
On the other hand, a leisure facility or gaming area which may comprise a bar, a snooker/pool table, home cinema entertainment system and perhaps the odd arcade game, would appeal to any would-be gaming enthusiast.
The majority of these types of developments favour wide open areas with large expanses of glazing, although each and every proposal may be tailored to suit your own tastes and, of course budget!


Structural beam calculating services
Open-plan domestic living is extremely sought after, in that people nowadays favour larger unrestricted areas in which to live.

Here at AGB Design, we have the inspiration and technical knowledge to converge rooms by removing walls, thus creating that ‘spacious’ feel.

Load bearing walls form the structural integrity of any dwelling, meaning the removal of such a wall will usually require the insertion of steelwork to maintain that integrity.

Our structural engineer can assess, provide an engineers’ report, and size any steelwork necessary to be implemented within such an environment.

All calculations are hand prepared and compliant to BS449 / BS5950-1, and fully checked by the local authorities Building Control department.

The specified steel sections can then be procured and installed with confidence.

Please feel free to call or contact AGB if you require any advice regarding the removal of walls or insertion of steelwork.

All services undertaken, please contact us if you want to discuss any other projects

Email : info@agbdesign.co.uk

The Planning Process
Our approach is simple. Once instructed, we will manage your proposed project until you receive Planning and Building Regulation Consent. We undertake a full survey of your property. We prepare the drawings to your satisfaction. We then make the required applications to the Local Authority. Finally, we make sure your project is delivered on time.

Step 1

Our Surveyor will visit your property to discuss the project with you, making sure what you want is feasible and ensuring that we understand exactly what you want from the development. We will then arrange a mutually convenient time to carry-out a full and accurate measured survey of the property, taking measurements both internally and externally as required.

Step 2

We will then prepare a set of Preliminary Design Drawings for you to review. This will include plans and elevations of the property in its existing form and also the proposed layout. At this stage you can make changes as necessary and once you are satisfied that the feasibility meets your requirements, we will prepare the Approval Drawings.

Step 3

We prepare the Approval Drawings based upon the initial Preliminary Design Drawings and your requested changes.

Step 4

We prepare and complete all necessary Planning and Building Regulations forms on your behalf and calculate the fees required which must accompany the application. The forms, fees and requisite plans are submitted to the Local Authority.

Step 5

If any re-submissions or amendments are required, we will complete this under advisement from the Officer at the Local Authority, whilst keeping you updated on this process and about any changes required.

Step 6

When consents have been granted, we will notify you immediately and forward the relevant approval notices and consent drawings.

> Prnit version (Pdf) of the Planning process.


Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to wait until I receive my plans?

Usually between 1 – 2 weeks from date of survey.

 

How long does the planning process take?

Generally 8 weeks depending upon your Local Authority.

 

How much will I pay in fees overall?

Planning & Building Regulation fees are calculated pro-rata upon the size of the proposal. The fee to AGB will be agreed before work commences on the project.

 

Do I need to contact the council once my plans have been drawn?

No, AGB will act as your agent and liaise fully with the Local Authority throughout the whole submission and approval process.

 

What geographical area do you cover?

Mainly the midlands area including, Charnwood, North West Leicestershire, Leicester City, Rushcliffe Borough, and the surrounding villages.

 

Can you recommend any building contractors?

Yes, there are several builders who we highly recommend, details available upon request.

 

Could we view previous work carried out by these contractors?

Yes, previous clients are usually quite willing to make arrangements for viewing.

 

How long will it take to complete the construction work?

Your building contractor should provide you with projected start and completion dates prior to work commencing.

If you have any further queries: Please Email your unanswered questions here


Agb Design

Adam Brown
142 Conway Drive
Shepshed
Loughborough
Leicestershire

LE12 9PN

T : 01509 569520
M: 07796 301929

E  : info@agbdesign.co.uk
W: www.agbdesign.co.uk

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