Covering Plymouth
Alongside Plymouth, we also cover Launceston (21 miles to the north-west), Paignton and Newton Abbot.
Homes in the South West
Homes in the South West range from coastal and rural properties in stone and slate to city terraces and modern estates, so extensions are designed to match the local materials.
What do you get with 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
- Design options and 3D views
- Planning or lawful development certificate drawings
How much does architectural design and planning cost in Plymouth?
Typical ranges for architectural design and planning. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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 Plymouth?
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.
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.
- 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.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Questions about architectural design and planning in Plymouth
How long does planning take?
Councils aim to decide householder applications within eight weeks of validation.
Do I need a structural engineer?
For steels, new openings, lofts and extensions, yes. We arrange the calculations.
Can you visit a house in Plymouth to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Architectural design and planning near Plymouth
- Architectural design and planning in Launceston
- Architectural design and planning in Paignton
- Architectural design and planning in Newton Abbot
- Architectural design and planning in Bodmin
Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Plymouth.

