Architectural design and planning in Dunstable

Covering Dunstable

Dunstable is about 5 miles west of Luton. We also cover Luton (5 miles to the east), Leighton Buzzard and Harpenden.

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 is included in architectural design and planning in Dunstable?

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
Planning or lawful development certificate drawings
Building regulations drawings and specification

What will architectural design and planning cost?

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

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 affect architectural design and planning?

Pre-application advice from the council can help on sensitive sites.
Conservation areas and listed buildings need extra design care and supporting statements.

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.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
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.

Do I need a structural engineer?

For steels, new openings, lofts and extensions, yes. We arrange the calculations.

Who deals with the council for a project in Dunstable?

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

Other towns nearby

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