Planning and building controlin North Devon,handled alongside your build.
Get the paperwork right first so the build runs smoothly; Liveliwood Co can assist with or fully manage planning and Building Control for your project.
16 years
hands-on trade experience
£2M
public liability insurance
5-year
workmanship guarantee
Free visit
then a fixed quote
Overview
Planning & Building Control with Liveliwood Co
What it is
Planning permission controls what you can build and where. Building Control checks the work meets Building Regulations for structure, fire safety, insulation and more. Liveliwood Co can assist with or fully manage both for your project.
Who it's for
Homeowners planning extensions, new builds, structural alterations or garden buildings who would rather not navigate the process alone.
When you need it
Before work starts, ideally as soon as you know what you want to build.
Why experience matters
Mistakes in planning or Building Control cause delays, rework and problems when selling or remortgaging. Handling it alongside the build means the design, the paperwork and the construction stay aligned.
What happens if it's left
The cost of getting it wrong or putting it off.
Work without approval
Building without the right permissions can lead to enforcement action or costly changes.
No completion certificate
Without Building Control sign-off, selling or remortgaging becomes harder.
Delays from incomplete applications
Missing information sends applications back and pushes your start date further away.
Common mistakes we see
- Assuming a project is permitted development without checking.
- Booking a builder before knowing what permissions are needed.
- Treating Building Control as an afterthought rather than part of the build.
- Ignoring planning conditions once approval is granted.
Our process
Five clear steps from first visit to guarantee.
Step 1
Free site visit
Ashley visits, looks at the space and listens to what you want. No charge and no obligation.
Step 2
Fixed quote
You receive a fixed price for the agreed scope, so you know the cost before you commit.
Step 3
Planning & Building Control
Where the project needs it, Liveliwood Co assists with or fully manages planning and Building Control.
Step 4
Contract & build
Larger projects run on a formal contract with a deposit and stage payments at agreed milestones. Ashley is involved throughout.
Step 5
Completion & guarantee
The work is finished, checked with you and backed by a 5-year workmanship guarantee.
What you get
Why homeowners choose Liveliwood Co for planning & building control.
Clarity early
Know what permissions apply before you commit.
Your choice of support
Assistance where you need it, or full management.
Aligned with the build
Design, paperwork and construction stay in step.
Fewer delays
Complete, well-prepared submissions.
Sign-off
Building Control inspections coordinated through the build.
Fixed quote
The build is priced up front after a free site visit.
In detail
Planning & Building Control services, materials and methods.
Planning permission
Householder applications for extensions and outbuildings, and applications for new dwellings.
Permitted development
Checking whether your project can proceed without a full planning application.
Building Regulations
Ensuring designs meet regulations for structure, fire, insulation, ventilation and drainage.
Inspections
Coordinating Building Control inspections at key stages of the build.
Planning conditions
Tracking and discharging conditions attached to approvals.
Specialist input
Structural engineers, designers and other consultants brought in as the project requires.
Related services
Planning & Building Control near you
Available as planning & building control in North Devon, including Barnstaple, Bideford, Bude, Ilfracombe, or contact Ashley.
Who you'll work with
Ashley Cole and a core team of three.
Liveliwood Co is a North Devon carpentry, joinery and building company run by owner Ashley Cole. Ashley started in the construction trade at a young age and has built up 16 years of hands-on experience across most building and woodworking disciplines. When you book planning & building control with Liveliwood Co, that experience comes to your project directly; Ashley is personally involved in every job, from the first site visit to handover.
Ashley works with a core team of three and brings in trusted specialist subcontractors where a job needs them, such as electricians and plumbers. That means you have one point of contact and one company responsible for the result, rather than a list of separate trades to organise and chase.
Because the same business handles both fine joinery and structural building, projects that cross the two (a kitchen inside a new extension, fitted storage in a loft, a garden office with a built-in desk) are planned as one job. The details line up because the people building the structure also make what goes inside it.
What's included as standard
- A free site visit to assess the project and your requirements.
- A fixed quote, so the price is agreed before work starts.
- A formal contract with a deposit and stage payments on larger projects.
- Assistance with, or full management of, planning and Building Control where required.
- £2M public liability insurance on every job.
- A 5-year workmanship guarantee.
- New builds built to industry-standard structural warranties.
- Working hours of Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00.
Before you start
Planning your planning & building control project in North Devon.
Start the conversation before you commit to a design. A quick review at the site visit can tell you whether your project is likely to need planning permission, whether permitted development may apply, and what Building Regulations will require.
Gather what you already know. Previous planning history, the age and type of property, and whether it is in a conservation area or near protected landscapes all affect the process. Having this information to hand speeds things up.
Understand that planning and Building Control are separate. Planning deals with what you build and how it looks; Building Control deals with how it's built. Most projects that need planning also need Building Control, and some need Building Control only.
Allow time for decisions and conditions. Approvals often come with conditions that must be met before or during construction. Tracking these as part of the build avoids delays and problems later.
Finally, choose the level of support you want. Liveliwood Co can assist with specific parts of the process or manage it fully, bringing in specialist designers and engineers where a project needs them.
Remember that the paperwork and the build are connected. Drawings submitted for approval need to reflect how the building will actually be constructed, and changes during the build may need further approval. Handling planning and Building Control alongside the construction means the approved design and the finished building match, inspections happen at the right stages, and you receive the sign-off you need when it comes to selling, remortgaging or insuring the property in future. A free site visit is the simplest way to find out what your project needs and how Liveliwood Co can help.
FAQs
Planning & Building Control questions, answered.
Do you prepare drawings yourselves?
Talk this through at the site visit; specialist designers and consultants are brought in where a project needs them.
Can you just help with part of the process?
Yes. Liveliwood Co can assist with specific parts or manage the whole process.
Is this only available with a build?
It's offered alongside building projects. Call to discuss your situation.
How much does planning & building control cost in North Devon?
Every project is different, so there are no fixed package prices. You get a free site visit followed by a fixed quote for your job, so you know the exact cost before deciding.
How long will the work take?
Timescales depend on the size of the job. The programme is discussed at the site visit and agreed before work starts, so you can plan around it.
How do payments work?
Larger projects run on a formal contract with an initial deposit followed by stage payments at agreed milestones.
Is the work guaranteed and insured?
Yes. Every job carries a 5-year workmanship guarantee, and Liveliwood Co holds £2M public liability insurance.
Which areas do you cover?
North Devon, including Barnstaple, Braunton, Woolacombe, Bude, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Croyde and Saunton.
Can you come out urgently?
Call 07450 059875 during working hours (Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00) to explain the situation and discuss how soon Ashley can visit.
Free site visit
Get a fixed price for your planning & building control project.
Tell us about the job and Ashley will arrange a free visit. You'll get a fixed quote, no obligation.
- 5-year workmanship guarantee
- £2M public liability insurance
- 16 years' hands-on experience
Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00
Contact Ashley directly, or allow the enquiry form to send your project details.