Architectural design and planning in Cambridge

Covering Cambridge

Cambridge is about 30 miles south-east of Peterborough. We also cover Huntingdon (16 miles to the north-west), Haverhill and St Neots.

Homes in the East of England

The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.

What is architectural design and planning?

Architectural design and planning covers everything before building starts: a measured survey of the house, design options, planning or permitted development drawings, the application itself, building regulations drawings and structural calculations. We offer it on its own or as part of a design-and-build project.

Design options and 3D views
Submission and liaison with the planning officer
Building regulations drawings and specification

What will architectural design and planning cost?

Guide prices for architectural design and planning, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

Architectural design and planning	Guide price incl. VAT
Measured survey and existing drawings	£500 to £1,200
Planning drawings and application	£1,200 to £3,000
Building regulations drawings and specification	£1,000 to £2,500
Structural calculations	£500 to £2,000

Do you need permission for architectural design and planning in Cambridge?

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.

We confirm whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a householder application, and prepare the right submission. A lawful development certificate is the best proof that permitted development work is lawful.

What can change the price or programme?

Planning and building regulations are separate approvals; most projects need building regulations even when planning is not needed.
Pre-application advice from the council can help on sensitive sites.

How does the project run?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Architectural design and planning: common questions

Can I use your drawings with another builder?

Yes. If you buy drawings on their own, they are yours to use.

How long does planning take?

Councils aim to decide householder applications within eight weeks of validation.

Can you visit a house in Cambridge to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Architectural design and planning near Cambridge

Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Cambridge.