One Design for Planning and Licence to Alter

Two packs, one model

On multi-unit buildings, Licence to Alter and planning applications often run together. Freeholder surveyors want structural method and fire/acoustic detail; officers want amenity and character. If the openings differ between packs, one of them will force redesign.

The practical answer is one measured survey and one design freeze, then audience-specific sheets. See our compare guide: planning permission vs Licence to Alter.

Where this shows up first

Marylebone estate streets, Kensington and Chelsea stucco terraces, Notting Hill garden-square conversions and Battersea mansion blocks are frequent dual-track pins. Local money pages for Licence to Alter and planning applications are written for that sequencing — not for a kitchen collage without a lease review.

Technical drawings still come later

Building regulations drawings remain a separate product once principle is clear. Freeholder consent does not replace building control. Keep the technical story consistent so tender exclusions do not appear when the contractor prices a third version of the same flat.