Ideas, evidence & lessons from practice.
The 0405 Journal explores housing, residential design, heritage and technical delivery. Each article begins with a practical question and aims to leave something useful behind.
Latest writing.
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Do I need planning permission to convert my garage into a room?
A garage conversion often does not need planning permission, but planning history, parking, intended use and Building Regulations must be checked before work starts.
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Can we start foundations before all the Building Regulations information is complete?
A housing developer may be able to start foundations before every later-stage detail is complete, but the released substructure information must be coordinated, compliant and safe to build.
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Do I need a party wall agreement for my extension?
0405 Architecture · England · Guidance checked 20 October 2026 Possibly. An extension can require Party Wall etc. Act 1996 notices because of work to a shared wall, a new wall at the boundary, or excavation near a neighbouring building. Whether you need a surveyor’s award depends on the work and the response to the…
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Do I need planning permission to remove an internal wall?
Internal wall removal rarely needs planning permission, but structure, fire safety, heritage and party-wall issues should be checked before work begins.
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Do we need one Principal Designer or two on a housing development?
A housing project may appoint one competent organisation to both Principal Designer roles, but the CDM and Building Regulations duties remain distinct.
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Can we raise house floor levels to make drainage work?
Raising house floor levels can change much more than drainage. A practical review for small housing developers before revised levels reach site.
A question worth exploring?
If there is a housing, heritage or technical subject you would like us to examine, start a conversation.