Architectural design and planning · Christchurch

Architectural design and planning in Christchurch

Our architectural design and planning service covers Christchurch and the rest of Dorset. You get a fixed price in writing for the agreed specification, and one person co-ordinating the trades.

Covering Christchurch

Alongside Christchurch, we also cover Bournemouth, New Milton (5 miles to the east) and Poole.

Homes in the South West

Homes in the South West range from coastal and rural properties in stone and slate to city terraces and modern estates, so extensions are designed to match the local materials.

What is architectural design and planning?

Designing and building under one roof means the drawings are priced as they are drawn, so there are fewer surprises when the quote arrives. If you only need drawings and a planning application, we can do that and you are free to use any builder.

  • Design options and 3D views
  • Submission and liaison with the planning officer
  • Structural engineer’s calculations

What is the guide price for architectural design and planning in Christchurch?

Use these ranges to budget for architectural design and planning; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

Architectural design and planningGuide 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

What approvals does architectural design and planning need in England?

Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 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.
  • Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.

From first call to completion

  1. Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
  2. Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
  3. Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
  4. Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

What people ask before starting

How much do extension plans cost?

Typically £3,000 to £7,000 including VAT from measured survey to building regulations drawings, plus council fees.

What is a lawful development certificate?

A certificate from the council confirming that work is permitted development, which is useful when you sell.

Do you work in Christchurch?

Yes. Christchurch is within our coverage for architectural design and planning, along with nearby Bournemouth and New Milton.

Other towns nearby

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

Planning an extension, loft or new home?

Get a guide price in two minutes, then book a free site visit.

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