Architectural design and planning in Manchester

Covering Manchester

We work in Manchester (M1, M2, M3) and the places around it, including Salford, Old Trafford and Droylsden.

Homes in the North West

The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.

What is 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
Submission and liaison with the planning officer

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

How is architectural design and planning approved in Manchester?

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 Manchester homeowners check first?

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 are the steps?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

How much do extension plans cost?

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

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 Manchester?

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

Architectural design and planning in nearby towns

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