Architectural design and planning in Colchester

Covering Colchester

Colchester sits 21 miles north-east of Chelmsford, with Sudbury 13 miles to the north-west and Clacton-on-Sea 13 miles to the south-east.

Homes in the East of England

Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.

What do you get with 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.

Planning or lawful development certificate drawings
Building regulations drawings and specification
Structural engineer’s calculations

How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?

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 Colchester?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

We confirm whether your project is permitted development, needs prior approval or needs a householder application, and prepare the right submission.

What should I think about before starting?

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?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Architectural design and planning: common questions

How much do extension plans cost?

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

Can I use your drawings with another builder?

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

Who deals with the council for a project in Colchester?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Architectural design and planning near Colchester

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