Architectural design and planning in Leicester

Covering Leicester

We work in Leicester (LE1, LE19) and the places around it, including Oadby, Wigston and Loughborough.

Homes in the East Midlands

The East Midlands combines red-brick terraces in the cities with a lot of post-war and modern estate housing, so rear extensions, garage conversions and loft conversions are all common.

What does architectural design and planning involve?

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
Design options and 3D views
Structural engineer’s calculations

How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?

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

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

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 should Leicester homeowners check first?

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.

What happens after I enquire?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

What people ask before starting

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Leicester?

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 Leicester.