doing work on a listed property in conservation area

[pinkelephantnightclub]

I know we need permission- my question is who usually completes/submits all the paperwork? we need heritage statements, etc and not sure if we do that or do we need to hire someone or does builder usually do? am extremely naïve in these matters! thanks if anyone can share their experiences..... (and for record- 2 jobs are purely internal and one is a very small extension of downstairs wc to include a shower).

Builders may be able to do it for you, but will charge. If you need plans etc the builders will have to provide them so may as well do the application form as well if they have the skill to do so.

They are relatively straightforward in that you are supposed to explain what the situation is at the moment and why your proposals will be an improvement or at least have no impact in design, access and heritage terms. The planning forms are reasonably clear and accessible too. Its worth having a look at them - you can download details submitted on other similar applications from your local authority website.

If you look and find it too tricky, it may be worth hiring someone.

What's the grade?

Who has done the drawings? You will need detailed drawings following the exact specifications of your local planning authority of all sorts of bits along with the dreaded heritage statement etc. Would suggest that you get an architect to do the whole thing. I am a surveyor and sometimes have done my own applications when the structural engineer did the drawings but when it came to changes to the house I needed the architect to do all of it as he knew exactly what the planners would require and how to word the application to best effect.

Its grade II- and no drawings yet- we had an architect around and he said the 2 internal jobs didn't even require an architect- just a builder could handle (wasn't considering the little extension at that point)- so guess we will need drawings regardless of size of job...

If it's just grade II then listed buildings consent is what you will need. Your local council should have guidance and they're usually very helpful if you get the right person. Often it's the conservation officer.