Covering County Durham
Our coverage across County Durham includes Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees and Durham.
Homes in the North East
The North East has terraced housing including Tyneside flats, inter-war semis and post-war estates, so loft conversions, rear extensions and layout changes are popular ways to add space.
What goes into 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.
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Planning or lawful development certificate drawings
- Structural engineer’s calculations
What is the guide price for architectural design and planning in County Durham?
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 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 |
Planning and building rules in County Durham
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.
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.
What happens after I enquire?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- 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.
Your questions answered
Can I use your drawings with another builder?
Yes. If you buy drawings on their own, they are yours to use.
What is a lawful development certificate?
A certificate from the council confirming that work is permitted development, which is useful when you sell.
Who deals with the council for a project in County Durham?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Architectural design and planning in Darlington
- Architectural design and planning in Hartlepool
- Architectural design and planning in Stockton-on-Tees
- Architectural design and planning in Durham
- Architectural design and planning in Chester-le-Street
- Architectural design and planning in Billingham
- Architectural design and planning in Stanley
- Architectural design and planning in Consett
- Architectural design and planning in Newton Aycliffe
- Architectural design and planning in Bishop Auckland
- Architectural design and planning in Seaham
Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in County Durham.