Planning to build, amend or extend a property in France? French Plans, the English speaking architects in France can help you navigate the process, from a simple planning permission application to full design service.
Help with planning permission in France
When it comes to making changes to your property in France, the chances are you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Whether you’re extending the property, building your own home, and even in some instances changing the colours of the shutters, you’ll need to have official authorisation (you could void your insurance policy, face substantial fines or even be forced to destroy the work if you don’t).
Nothing would please us more than to tell you that it’s a simple process – but it’s not. There’s a lot of documentation and paperwork to navigate and formal floor plans to be submitted. From understanding conditions attached to the initial purchase right through to local planning regulations, drawing up building plans and ensuring you’ve got the right certification in place when work is complete, there’s heaps to get right.
You’ll need to dot all the ‘i’s and cross all the ‘t’s at the right time, and in the right order. French regulations and administration relating to building permission and construction work are, it’s fair to say, complicated. Completing the steps required is time consuming and if you get even the most minor thing wrong, you will fail in your application. Trust me, we’ve been there. It can be a frustrating and seriously stressful experience. Even if you speak French, you’re likely to need professional help.
Thankfully there is a company that understands the system thoroughly and can help you succeed.
English speaking architects in France
Architect and managing director of French Plans, Tom Easdown, says, “At French Plans we work hard to minimise the stress and complexity of planning applications in France. We are both an architectural practice and a planning consultancy, myself and Mike are French and UK Qualified Architects and the team is fully bilingual, being able to communicate with our clients in English and the French Authorities in French. With a pretty unique knowledge of both the anglophone world and the French planning system we are well placed to help our clients navigate the planning system and achieve the best outcomes”
The team work on every kind of building including historic monuments, chateaux and manor houses. They can help you extend, convert or renovate your existing property, for domestic or commercial use. And they can work with you to build your dream home or bespoke business premises.
French Plans can advise you on the permissions you need to apply for, and the regulations you need to adhere to, from installing swimming pools to a shepherd’s hut or shed in your garden (which can often need permission) right through to a completely new construction. They will prepare and submit applications for full planning (permis de construire), minor works (déclaration préalable) and outline planning permission (certificat d’urbanisme) for your project depending on what is required.
If you are looking to sell off part of your land, or split an existing dwelling into one or more individual houses, French Plans can also help with the formal administration needed.
Buying a property and have plans for it?
If you’re thinking of buying a property in France but know that you’ll need planning permission to make changes, then consider getting planning authorisation as part of the buying process.
Tom says, “we often work with our clients to prepare and submit outline planning applications (CUb) during the contract phase of a property purchase, and your notaire (solicitor), can often add a clause to the sales contract making the purchase contingent on receiving a positive response which provides a level of comfort that your dreams and plans for the property can be realised”
Having professional help with applying for planning – requirements and documents vary for different types of requests – will minimise delay in achieving authorisation and purchase.
French plans can also carry out feasibility studies, cost summary reports and organise checks such as soil study reports which may be required for properties not connected to mains drainage.
Design service for your French property
French Plans are not just about administration they are also enthusiastic about all things design. “As architects we are passionate about design and how good design can unlock the potential of a property. It’s not just about getting the administration right it’s also about creating spaces that our clients can feel proud of and that improve the way they enjoy their homes. We find that good design and accurate documentation is key to making sure the planning application process and the construction phases of the works are as stress free and enjoyable as possible.”
Accurate and professional documentation is an essential part of the process when it comes to getting authorisation for planning, and it is a key benefit when working with artisans to complete the project. Not only will French Plans help with the design and the planning application process, but they will also assist with the getting the correct permissions for drainage design and services connections, a real one stop shop for any construction project.
Find out more and contact the team for all your planning permission and design needs in France at www.frenchplans.com
