From Planning Permission to Building Regulations: What You Really Need to Know
- scott69530
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
From Planning Permission to Building Regulations: What You Really Need to Know
Guidance from the Architectural & Project Management Team at TMDP LLP
Your planning permission is approved.
The excitement begins — you can finally start imagining the finished project.
But what actually happens next?
This guide breaks down the key steps between planning approval and completion, and explains how TMDP LLP supports you through every stage of design, compliance and construction.
Where Do You Start?
The move from planning to construction is often where most questions appear:
How will it be built?
What materials are right?
What drawings does the contractor need?
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
Who checks the quality on site?
The smoothest route is having the right team in place; people who understand the process and keep it moving.
That’s exactly what we do at TMDP LLP.
1. How Will the Project Be Built?
Planning permission doesn’t define your construction method. Options may include:
Traditional masonry
Timber frame
Steel frame
SIPs
Modular systems
The final choice is influenced by budget, programme, sustainability targets and site conditions.
Our team reviews these options with you and provides clear recommendations.
Where needed, we bring in our Structural Engineers to ensure the method is achievable and compliant.
2. What Will It Be Made Of?
Technical design is where every component is defined, including:
External wall materials
Roof coverings
Insulation and U-values
Windows and doors
Internal finishes
Mechanical and electrical elements
Whether you prefer to select finishes yourself or want our full support, we ensure the design, performance and cost align.
3. What Goes Where? — Construction Drawings
This is where the project becomes “builder-ready”.
TMDP LLP prepares:
Detailed construction drawings
Specifications
Schedules of work
Coordination plans
These drawings can be issued for contractor pricing.
The more detail provided, the more accurate and comparable the quotes — reducing the risk of vague allowances or unexpected extras.
4. Building Regulations Approval
In almost all cases you will require Building Regulations approval.
Planning permission says you can build it.
Building Regulations ensure you build it safely, legally, and to national standards.
We coordinate the entire Building Control submission, covering:
Structure
Fire safety
Energy performance
Ventilation
Drainage
Accessibility (Part M)
Acoustic and thermal performance
Material compliance
Clear, coordinated information prevents delays and avoids redesigns once work has started.
5. Support During Construction
Once construction begins, real-world challenges appear:
Clarifications
Product changes
Site discoveries
Sequencing issues
Contractor payment requests
TMDP LLP provides flexible on-site support, from informal technical checks through to full Contract Administration under JCT contracts.
We act impartially to:
Monitor workmanship
Check progress
Review variations
Certify payments
Hold regular site meetings
This keeps your project moving and ensures the quality matches the agreed design.
6. Is It a Costly Process?
The level of detail varies, but the right team saves money long-term.
Working with TMDP LLP delivers clear benefits:
We translate the jargon
Architects, engineers, Building Control and contractors all speak different dialects.
We convert it into clear, actionable information.
We prevent costly mistakes
Problems solved at drawing stage are far cheaper than fixing them on site.
We coordinate the whole team
No more contradictory drawings or missing information.
We create transparent cost advice.
Well-detailed drawings reduce allowances, risk margins and unexpected extras.
We manage the stressful bits
From supply issues to site queries, we help keep your project on track.
One Team. One Plan. One Smooth Project.
Every project generates dozens of detailed questions.
If you don’t answer them, the contractor will — based on assumptions or educated guesses.
A coordinated team from day one prevents delays, rework and added costs.
Let TMDP take the lead, so you’re not juggling consultants or researching insulation types at 10pm the night before construction starts.
Planning a Project? We’d Love to Help.
Whether it’s a home extension, self-build, pub refurbishment, commercial scheme or large-scale development, TMDP LLP brings over 25 years of technical expertise, planning knowledge and project management experience.
Based in South Leicestershire — delivering projects nationwide
📞 0116 467 0055