June Leigh Oracle 2012

Leigh-on-Sea

June 2012

ORACLE

Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Oracle Competition WIN! A pair of tickets to see ‘Bobby Davro & friends’ at the Cliff’s Pavilion

Local Issues

Lifting the lid on Teenage Drinking

Travel Expert

Make time for a Singapore Sling

Under the Hammer Always ask an Auctioneer

Planning Development Guidelines

Cover photography by Peter Bolton www.peterboltonphotoart.com

Leigh

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

C

omedy legend Bobby Davro is coming to Southend for one night only to present an extra-special evening of nostalgia, live music and comedy, headlined by his famous stand-up show. Win a pair of tickets with Oracle to see Bobby Davro and Friends – Triple Cream, Belle of Belle & the Devotions, Josh Dubovie & Johnny Clark at the Cliffs Pavilion on Saturday 14 July 2012 at 7.30 pm.

To enter simply send your name and contact details to Oracle/Bobby Davro competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW or by email to info@oraclepublications.co.uk stating the competition in the subject box with your full contact details. Please send your entries in by 30 June.

The front cover image this month has again been kindly donated by Peter Bolton, local photographer who recently had an exhibition running at Utopia Coffee Bar, Southend.

If you missed his exhibition take a look at his website to see more of his great work www.peterboltonphotoart.com

y a w e g Rid DRY CLEANERS 56 The Ridgeway, Chalkwell, Essex, SS0 8NU

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ORACLE contents Local Issues Lifting the lid on Teenage Drinking

By Alcohelp

9/10

Tressed to Impress Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

14

Financial Health plan for Women Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

18

Make time for a Singapore Sling Travel Expert by Karen Goldman

22

Chargrilled Red Mullet with Mango,Prawn and Chilli Salsa Judy's Recipe Page

ALL HEART FITNESS PERSONAL TRAINING Essex based Highly Qualified Personal Training available on your door step. Providing gym based and outdoor training suitable to all fitness levels to achieve your personal goals using the most up to date methods.

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Could 2012 be your fittest year yet?

Always ask an Auctioneer 28 Under the Hammer by Trevor Cornforth Development Guidelines Oracle Planning by Tim Knight

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Diary Dates

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Advertorial

Celebrating School & Community

T

horpe Hall School is throwing open its doors this summer and welcoming pupils, parents, friends and neighbours to join them on Thorpe Hall Day. The school’s new summer open day event will take place on Saturday 7th July from 2pm until 6pm and will feature a host of different activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

The family-friendly occasion is open to the public and will have plenty to interest local people of all ages. There will be opportunities to tour the school, meet staff and pupils and see first hand why Thorpe Hall is one of the county’s leading independent schools. Stacey’s Auctioneers and Valuers will be hosting an “Antiques Roadshow” style event, offering advice and putting a price on people’s most treasured possessions and the extremely popular Dotty Sparkle’s Handmade and Vintage Fair will be filling the marquee with a wonderful variety of stalls and offering delicious cream teas and refreshments.

donkey rides and a range of traditional stalls and games. Pupils and staff will also be contributing to the day with live music, sports and drama displays throughout the afternoon.

“Thorpe Hall Day is a celebration of our school and the part we play in the wider community,” explains Headteacher Mr. Andrew Hampton “Many local people express a genuine interest in the school and what we do here and strong community ties are important to every school whether or not it is independent. This year we decided to make some of our usual summer celebrations more open and accessible and welcome everyone to experience life at Thorpe Hall School for themselves”.

01702 582340 Wakering Road, Southend-on-Sea Essex, SS1 3RD

For the children, there will be bouncy slides, LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE www.oraclepublications.co.uk 6

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2012

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JUNE

2012

Local Issues

Lifting the lid on teenage drinking S

ince 2005 more than 50,000 children and young people in Essex have taken part in alcoHELP workshops and events, gaining a greater understanding of the dangers of alcohol abuse.

eliminate the sale of alcohol to those underage, a higher level of understanding of its potential damage is required amongst young people.This is why alcoHELP works in partnership with schools, the local police, councils and youth groups, to provide young people with the facts Having just received a ‘Big Lottery Award for All’ about the consumption of alcohol. grant of £9,950 to take the 2Brite2Binge road show to schools, youth centres and sports clubs Most parents, teachers and indeed young across Essex, alcoHELP aims to increase the people themselves are shocked when they find number of schools participating throughout out that more than 40% of children who start Southend and the surrounding area. drinking before the age of 13 will go on to abuse alcohol or to become alcoholics at some point in Currently, there is very little help available for their lives. In a school class of 30 (13 to 14 year children with an alcohol problem other than olds), this means an average of 10 children will seeing their GP and Southend is no exception. already be drinking, making this more than just a The funding will enable alcoHELP to go some statistic. way to providing much needed support. After all national NHS statistics revealed that 7034 10 will steer clear of alcohol altogether and the children under 18 years old received treatment remaining 10 have the potential to get involved for problems related to drinking alcohol in the in abusing alcohol. These young people are first six months of 2011. In fact, a recent report arguably the most vulnerable to outside influfrom the NHS states that injuries as a result of ence and peer pressure. alcoHELP’s Alcohol teenage drinking are at the highest level in the Awareness Programme is specifically designed UK and are far greater than other European to arm those young people with facts countries. surrounding the harsh reality of drinking to Whilst every effort is made by local authorities to excess.

JUNE

2012

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Debby Peirson, one of alcoHELP’s founding trustees, an experienced teacher and recovered alcoholic, comments: “Our presentations are powerful and shocking – those delivering the sessions, including myself, talk candidly and openly about the devastating effects alcohol has on the body, relationships with family and friends, and a young person’s future.

“Our methodology is a proven way of relaying the harsh realities of alcohol to children and young people so that they can understand the risks.We know they take on board what we have said when we ask them several months later what they learnt about the dangers of consuming alcohol, and most of them can relay just how detrimental it can be on the brain!”

Hannah Elliman, a teacher at The Gilberd School “We are actively involved in the national in Colchester, comments: ‘2BRITE2BINGE’ initiative. We also participate in the local delivery of the national ‘Crucial “We invited alcoHELP into the school because we Crew’(year six, primary school) and ‘Reality wanted students to hear from people who had Roadshow’(secondary school aged children) first-hand experiences of the dangers of alcohol programmes that aim to deliver information, dependency. Terry and Debby, recovered advice and guidance on a wide range of topics alcoholics with alcoHELP, are a fantastic, honest and issues to children and young people aged 10 resource - the students were captivated by their – 14. personal experiences and were motivated to ask interesting, probing questions about the impact “We also deliver bespoke programmes on of alcohol addiction and how to seek help.” demand for older children and young people and produce information booklets for parents If you are interested in alcoHELP coming in to and teachers.” deliver a programme and would like further information on what the charity does, please visit Having delivered the programme to thousands www.alcohelp.co.uk or email terry@alcohelp.com of young people in Essex over a period of 6 years, alcoHELP fully understand that no two groups of young people are the same. Each has its own concerns.This is why programmes are tailored to discuss issues from binge drinking, alcohol http://www.alcohelp.com induced anti-social behaviour, through to specific subject areas such as Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

0300 365 0001 Terry Martin, also a trustee of alcoHELP, adds: info@alcohelp.com

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JUNE

2012

Fine wallpapers & paint I Home accessories I Luxury Gifts

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JUNE

2012

e’’ uiitte mentia Su g of Dem ng p niin ‘Ope kages k ck p e and day care packa g respit ng rin ri eri Also offer

Churchgate Heal Healthcare lthcare is successfully operating care cen ntres in the South East centres region. We specia lise in caring for the specialise elderly with deme entia and are delighted dementia to announce the opening o of our new dementia suite at Cedars Care Centre. ng For more information or to arrange a viewi

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admin.cedars@ch admin.cedars@churchgatehealthcare.co.uk hurchgatehealthcare.co.uk k www.churchgatehealthcare.co.uk www.churchgatehealth hcare.co.uk Cedars Care Centre, Cen ntre, 14 Sweyne Avenue, Avenue e, Southend-on-Sea, Southend-on-S ea, Essex Esse ex SS2 6FQ

Oracle Hair & Beauty

Tressed to impress E

ven if you’re training for a marathon, you can still look like a hair-o with these tips

I recently competed in my first ever marathon and I am very proud to say I finished the 26 miles and 385 yards round the streets of London in 5hrs 9mins and 9 sec, raising £6000 for Cystic Fibrosis.

Whilst pounding the route, I had plenty of time to look at the other runners around me – typical hairdresser, I know – and wonder how my fellow competitors and fund-raisers’ hair was holding up to the exertion. In many cases it wasn’t good!

In order to look your best whilst getting fit, there are some very simple tips you can follow.

For most athletes, their goal with regard to hair management is simply keeping it out of the face and off the neck. With that in mind, a ponytail is a great starting point.If you have shorter hair, try two little pigtails.

You can also keep flyaway, stray hair and bangs under control with grips or slides. To keep your locks in place while you’re sweating, be sure to spritz beforehand with hair spray.

issues. A peaked cap or sun visor will also help to keep the sun out of your eyes and potentially harmful UV rays off your face. If you’re going for a hat, look for one with a breathable, mesh top to stay cooler in warmer conditions.

Headbands or hats might not be your preferred style, but remember that function often overrides form.Let’s face it, very few people look at their most glamorous when they’re going for their Personal Best. Even I am prepared to sacrifice looking fabulous for an hour, every now and then!

Another issue affecting those with thick and/or curly hair is the dreaded, humidity ‘fro. If you throw your hair up in a ponytail and then run in drizzle, you are quite likely to return with a bonkers bird's nest on your head. Braiding the ponytail minimizes the frizz or wrap a second band around the bottom of your ponytail.

Well that’s you looking good on top – now let’s start feeling good all over. I’ll see you on Marine Parade, I’m the one in the figure-hugging lycra!

O

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32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

01702 340965 JUNE

2012

CALLIE & FINN

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Homeware: We stock an eclectic mix of contemporary/vintage pieces to enhance your living space. New ranges coming soon. stationary: Greetings cards, Gift wrap, Journals...

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JUNE

2012

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Money Matters

Financial health plan for Women W

omen are far more likely to favour straightforward investments such as cash ISAs over more complex investment plans, according to a survey by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). The survey found that women felt they do not have sufficient understanding of financial products and as a result were less confident about making financial decisions than men (Source: Chartered Insurance Institute July 2009 ‘Women And Financial Advice’).

With more women becoming financially successful and independent than before, the need for them to consider carefully targeted, holistic financial planning advice is becoming of paramount importance.

So what are the key issues that women - and men for that matter - need to consider in planning their financial futures? There are four main pillars of a wealth management strategy : Tax planning involves consideration of issues like Inheritance Tax (IHT). This tax does not just affect the wealthy, and applies to all assets, including investments and savings. And there are many things people can do to ensure that as much of their estate as possible stays in the hands of their loved ones.

With Investment, it is vital that money works hard so that investors can continue to reap the benefits.

In planning an approach to investment, people need to determine their attitude to risk from the very outset.

Whether investing with a lump sum investment

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or regular contributions – and regular saving is a good habit providing peace of mind – the key is to ensure money goes into funds that will be managed over the longer term.

Retirement Planning is an area that requires early attention. The time to start planning for retirement is now. Childbirth, marriage, divorce and being widowed have all had a significant impact on the pension accrual of many women.

Many women’s pensions are affected by the career breaks they take to bring up children or care for elderly relatives.

Protection is the final main pillar. No one likes to think about suffering a critical illness. People would rather put off thinking about it until later.

Yet the effect of doing so can have unthinkable consequences on financial futures and families.

Adopting the best strategy for a lifelong financial health plan is not a straightforward process and there is no substitute for obtaining the professional advice of a specialist wealth management expert. The key is to find a wealth manager who can be trusted and who can take a holistic view of personal finances, now and in the future.

O

by Jacqui Moyies

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Jacqui on :

01702 589553 Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

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JUNE

2012

Co NOW ou me O r t an PE ea d N! m m tod eet ay

State-of-the-art care home specialising in dementia care – now open.

Missed our open days? Don’t worry.

Drop by anytime to take a tour of our fabulous facilities.

Manchester Drive Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3HP 01702 472288

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JUNE

2012

We cater for

Private Fun ctions

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Enjoy the west-facing, beer-garden and extensive views across ripening cornfields. Thatched roof, flagstone floor, exposed timbers, wide range of Real Ales, good wines and excellent food.

No gaming machines. No loud music. No TV screens. Heaven!

The Angel Inn OPEN 11am - 11pm (Closed 3-5:30) Mon-Sat. 12pm - 11pm Sun

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Parsons Corner, North Shoebury SS3 8UD

JUNE 2012

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Travel Expert

Make time for a Singapore sling ……

By Karen Goldman

S

ingapore - a city which offers visitors a huge runs from Singapore up to Penang, and then on to contrast between the ultra modern, and Thailand for a trip to the River Kwai, finishing in Bangkok. the very traditional.

Alternatively, from Singapore, I suggest flying to the lush island of Borneo, famous for its wild organutan population and spectacular rainforests.You can join a 2-night tour which begins by visiting the magical ‘turtle island’where you are taken to a turtle hatchery and then spend the evening watching the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.The following day you will be taken to the orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok where you can witness these amazing creatures in their natVisit Singapore Zoo with its famous Night Safari, or ural habitat. take the cable car over the Sentosa Island. And of course don’t forget to head to Raffles for that famous Having toured a city and experienced the local wildlife it’s time to unwind on the spectacular beaches along Singapore Sling, accompanied by monkey nuts !!!

Once you have travelled that distance, it makes sense Borneo’s coastline. The Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort in to visit some other countries and Singapore is a great Kota Kinabalu offers the perfect retreat to unwind and hub for twinning with Thailand, Bali and particularly relax. This resort sits right on the beach and is surrounded by acres of tropical vegetation.

Malaysia which borders Singapore.

You can shop till you drop at the numerous shopping malls in Orchard Road which house all of the designer shops and international brands that you can dream of, or you can head to Little India or China Town where you will find a network of colourful, bustling streets and alleyways with shops and market stalls selling everything from spices and silverware to traditional potions and dried fruit.

As a special treat you could take the Eastern & If after a couple of days of lazing round the pool or inOriental Express, on a 3 night journey of a lifetime. It dulging in the luxurious treatments that the spa has to offer, you fancy being a little more active then there is a variety of activities including a wide range of watersports, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis, horse-riding, and the hotel has its own nature reserve and orangutan education centre.

O

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www.oraclepublications.co.uk

JUNE

2012

Utopia Travel Independent Travel Agent Established 30 years Specialising in : Tailor-made holidays Long-haul flights and itineraries Cruises Short-haul flights City-breaks package holidays.

Call in and see us or phone and speak to one of our friendly, experienced members of staff.

01702 478781 www.utopiatravel.co.uk 76 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1AE

JUNE 2012

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recipe of the month

For the Salsa

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden Cookery classes available!

For more info email me at judy.bard en@btinternet.c om

2 large red chillies 100g/4oz peeled cooked tiger prawns, thickly sliced 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped 1 ripe but firm avocado, peeled and diced ½ ripe but firm mango, peeled and diced Juice of 1 lime Pinch salt

Method: 1. Preheat your grill to high or get the barbecue hot or heat a frying/griddle pan.

To make the salsa, cut the chillies in half lengthways and scrape out the seeds. Cut them across into thin small strips. Put them in a bowl and mix with the prawns, onions, garlic avocado and mango. Juice the lime and add to the bowl with a little salt and a pinch of sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning (you may need more salt and sugar and a little black pepper).

2. Brush the fillets of fish on both sides with

Chargrilled Red Mullet with Mango, Prawn and Chilli Salsa

T

his quick dish can be cooked over a chargrill, barbecue or just a conventional grill or pan fry in a hot pan.

The combination of Tiger prawns in the salsa with mango and avocado works really well. If you can’t get red mullet, sea bass fillets are readily available, use them. Lovely for a light lunch, supper or a big platter for summer entertaining.

olive oil and season with the salt and pepper.

Cut each fillet into 3 strips on the diagonal.

Depending on your cooking method either place skin side down on a barbecue or in a pan, or skin side up under the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes that is all ! Check they are just cooked through, so the flesh is opaque.

3. Spoon the salsa on to four serving plates, arrange 3 pieces of fish over each one. Drizzle each plate with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with a few coriander sprigs.

O

Next month’s recipe:

‘Raspberry Shortcake Stacks' Sponsored by

Enjoy!

Ingredients: 4 x 125g/5oz red mullet or snapper fillets with the skin on Extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Coriander sprigs to garnish

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Southend West

01702 557177

kmecsouthendwest@yahoo.co.uk PROFESSIONAL TUTORING, QUALIFIED TEACHERS, ENGLISH, MATHS, 11+, AGES 4-16, FREE ASSESSMENT

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JUNE

2012

Where pets truly come first!

bubbles pet care

. com

“The Home of Healthy Pet Food”

Welcome to The Meeting Place. Come and dine in the new relaxed ambience of Leigh’s finest licensed restaurant. Open for all day breakfast, lunch and evening meals. For menu’s etc visit: www.themeetingplacebistro.co.uk

Formerly Leigh Pet Centre 36/38 Broadway, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 1AJ T: 01702 831286 & 17 high Street, Ongar, Essex CM5 9DS 01277 366182 Stockists of quality pet foods from James Wellbeloved, Burns, Barking/Meowing Heads, Natural Dog Food Company, Arden Grange, Orijen, Markus Muhle Loyalty card scheme, Healthy food and treats Vast range of accessories Newly Refurbished

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Available for: Private Functions & Themed Events

For bookings call: 01702 714 000 1452 London Road, Leigh on sea, SS9 2UW www.oraclepublications.co.uk

JUNE

2012

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU FROM ! ! !

THE NEW JJs IN LONDON ROAD

We know that many of our parents read the Oracle, so what better place to say a big thank you for helping to make the move to our new centre in Leigh such an amazing success!!

At JJs we offer outstanding professional tuition for ages 5-16.

We rebuild confidence and help our students to be the very best they can be. Our brand new centre in Leigh is fully equipped with great technology, superb resources and excellent teachers. It"s a winning combination! !

!

Our students work on an individually planned programme of work, based on their own needs and aspirations. Our tutors ! fully qualified and experienced teachers ! all live locally and understand the local educational environment. !

Ours is an attractive, well-equipped learning environment and we use a mix of online, computer and paper-based resources. Our students enjoy the confidence that comes from individual attention in a sociable, yet focused, environment.

!

We help our students catch up, keep up and forge ahead. To discuss any concerns you might have and book a free educational assessment, give Jacky a call at the centre, on 01702 553353 You can also email her at jacky@jjstuition.co.uk or use the enquiry form on our website, www.jjstuition.co.uk !

!

JUNE 2012

JJs Tuition 1436c London Road Tel: 01702 553353 Email: jacky@jjstuition.co.uk

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LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

!

27

Under The Hammer

Always ask an Auctioneer

Signed by Mahatma Ghandi which sold for £800

Trevor Cornforth

I

t might seem an obvious thing to say but we are always very careful when sorting through items from estates, whether deceased or just downsizers, because there are usually hidden treasures that nobody knows about or remembers.

A particular example occurred recently. A lady had spent months going through her mother’s things and then asked us to sell what we could. The items in general were good but hidden in the bottom of a small box she gave us as“odds”was a wonderful collection of autographs collected in the 1930’s. They included Churchill, Kipling, Chaplin and various other politicians and actors but best of all was a very thin piece of paper signed by Mahatma Ghandi with an accompanying letter which sold for £800. The collection as a whole coined in a healthy £2,000 but could have been a “lottery win”for someone if it had been sold as a mixed box or even sent to a boot sale!

Dutch miniature chest Sold for £450

The motto from that one is “always ask us first!”These days it often isn’t the obvious items which are worth money because, changing taste and the internet have turned it all upside down.

In the same sale, and originating from only a few doors away from the autographs, was this delightful miniature chest. At only 5 inches tall it was a Dutch silver piece dating from the early 20thC.The detail was outstanding with every cupboard and drawer opening. This went under the hammer at £450 and flew off back to Holland. This buying back of a country’s treasures is quite typical with the more open market that results from sales, such as ours, being live online around the world.

Free Valuation Why not come and see us at a special Free Valuation Roadshow followed by a Charity Auction at the Shoebury Fair, Shoebury High School on Saturday 16th June. Roadshow from 11.30. Auction 4pm.

O

01702 613260 chalkwellauctions.co.uk

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2 Baron Court, Chandlers Way, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 5SE JUNE 2012 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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29

Oracle Planning

Development Guidelines T

his month I will try to answer a question that has been asked of me several times whilst I have been writing this column - “is planning consent always required for small extensions to my home or can I avoid the need for making a planning application” The answer to this question is“NO planning permission is not always required” however there are strict development guidelines and limitations to the size, height and shape of an extension that does not require consent.This set of rules and your ability to extend your home are known as your ‘Permitted Development Rights (PD)’ and are set out within government guidance which is available to view on the ‘Planning Portal’ website.

In summary you are able to make certain changes to your house to extend to the side, rear and the existing roof space to create extra living accommodation without planning permission. This does not however apply to flats, maisonettes or other non-residential properties. In addition, if you live in a protected area i.e. a conservation area, listed building or other area of special interest, these rights may have been revoked by an Article 4 direction which requires all changes to be subject to local Authority approval. If in doubt you should always check the status of your property by contacting the local planning department.

There is a common misconception that a total area or volume calculation is used to control the increase in the size of your house, but this is now not the case.

The PD Rights are now divided into three separate

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areas with three different design constraints; ground floor side and rear extensions, roof conversions and two storey extensions to the rear and side. You may wish to development your home by constructing a single small extension or a more comprehensive design combining all available areas, but whether using part or all of your PD rights each extension must be designed within specific individual parameters.

These PD criteria are by their very nature restrictive and aim to limit extensions. The scope of development is constrained and the best solutions are usually achieved by obtaining planning permission.

However should you choose to extend within your PD rights we always advise submitting drawings to the planners to obtain a ‘Certificate of Lawfulness’ to verify the legality the development. This is different to an application as it does not provide approval but assesses the lawfulness of the development with regard to PD rights only. You will receive a certificate stating you have the lawful right to carry out the work in accordance with the drawings and the building regulations, which is essential should you decide to sell you home It is always interesting to receive questions and as always I am happy to deal with any specific questions about any part of the construction process at info@oraclepublications.co.uk

By Tim Knight Sponsored by:

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