Detailed Planning Ltd

Thanks for the feedback Jo :)

Looking forward to seeing the finished extension!

Thanks for the feedback Chris

Looking forward to our next project together :)

Dear Sangeetha,

I’m very disappointed to read this review and it’s sad you feel this way. Due to the approvals required for your project, the process was frustratingly slow for both of us, but I feel that our service always had your interests as priority.

I’m pleased to see that you are near completion and disagree that no valued service has been provided.

I have since tried to contact you about this but have not been successful.

I understand there was a situation where your original builder was cancelled part way through works, and it seems there have been changes since our involvement. We would recommend that this is avoided, as it can cause stress on the project.

To recap how our service unfolded:

We received your enquiry via a recommendation from your builder for a loft conversion.

Before proceeding with the services, you were advised that the ceilings may have to be lowered for the loft conversion in order to have better internal height and you were also aware of the strict policies by the Dulwich Estate for loft conversions which restrict the size. I’ve attached a screen shot for interest.

During the site visit, we also discussed a possible extension and internal changes. However, an application for an extension was carried out in the past and it appears that this was abandoned. On inspection of the drainage at the site visit, I felt it was because of the deep sewer invert which would have meant the ground works would be very costly. We discussed the internal changes and I was happy to offer this proposal within our fee, free of charge.

You then instructed us to proceed with the services, this included:

1.A site measure to produce the existing drawings – we used a laser measure and was on site between 2-3 hours, we took detailed measurements and carried out a photographic schedule

2.We then prepared detailed existing drawings, these included existing floor plans, elevations and sections. I’ve attached screen shots for interest.

3.We then prepared a full set of proposed drawings, these took into consideration your brief and requirements. We also included the changes to the ground floor at no additional fee. I’ve attached screen shots for the proposed drawings for interest.

4.Following review of the design, we contacted the Dulwich Estate to establish if the dormer could be widened. They said the guidance must be strictly followed and there are no negotiations. However, I was not happy with their response and arrange a call with their consulting Architect, we then agreed that the dormer height and width could be slightly increased whilst remaining subordinate.

5.Once you were happy with the design, we progressed with preparing the application to the Dulwich Estate (at no additional fee). Throughout the process, we acted as your agent and was in frequent communication with Dulwich Estate providing them with further drawings and requested information. From our original discussion with Dulwich Estate in October 2015, it took until August 2016 until we received the decision. We were both very disappointed and frustrated that it took 8 months for them to issue the approval, but I was in frequent communication to resolve this for you.

6.Following the decision, we then prepared a planning application to Lambeth Council. Fortunately, the council decided the application within their deadline and they accepted our plans first time.

7.Now that we had approval, we could finally move on with the technical phase which included our building regulation drawings (screen shot attached) and structural calculations. We also advised you on the party wall agreements. To satisfy fire safety, we suggested either installing a fire curtain or protected staircase. In the end you opted for a fire curtain.

8.You then wanted to discuss with us if a shower room would be possible within the loft. I showed you some sketches of where it could go but was worried that there was low head height and it would not work as you expected. I thought it would be useful for you to see the shell of the loft completed before deciding on this.

9.We received building control approval in Feb 2017 and this was in theory the end of our service. However, I was available to answer questions and spoke to the builder on numerous occasions throughout the build to provide additional support. However, since you cancelled the service with the original builder, I understand you employed a new builder and made changes to the design which I was not aware of. Since then, building control advised you that the changes did not meet building control approval.

I’m very disappointed that you felt our service was below your expectations, even after such hard work to get all the approval. I appreciate the process was extremely frustrating for us both due to fact we had to apply to the Estate.

I’m happy that you have now have reached near completion and hope you can start enjoying the new space.

Thanks for getting back to us with such great feedback! We enjoyed working with you :)

Thanks for the great feedback Jason, we had a great time working with you!

We really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

Thanks Rob. We really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

Thanks for your feedback. We like to offer the best rates we can :)

We really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

We really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

Thank you for the positive feedback Dave. We really enjoyed working with you :)

Thank you Ian, we really appreciate your positive feedback. We enjoyed working with you.

Thanks for giving us positive feedback, we really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

Thanks for giving us positive feedback, we really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

Thanks for giving us positive feedback, we really appreciate your comments and enjoyed working with you :)

Thank you Daniel

Look forward to working with you again

Thanks for giving us positive feedback, we really appreciate your comments and loved working with you :)

Thanks for giving us positive feedback, we really appreciate your comments and loved working with you :)

Thanks for giving us positive feedback, we really appreciate your comments and loved working with you :)