Architectural design and planning in Sunderland

Covering Sunderland

Alongside Sunderland, we also cover Seaham, Washington (5 miles to the west) and Houghton-le-Spring.

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 do you get with architectural design and planning?

Designing and building under one roof means the drawings are priced as they are drawn, so there are fewer surprises when the quote arrives. If you only need drawings and a planning application, we can do that and you are free to use any builder.

Measured survey of the existing house
Design options and 3D views
Planning or lawful development certificate drawings

What will architectural design and planning cost?

Indicative costs for architectural design and planning. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

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 Sunderland

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 should Sunderland 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.
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.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Architectural design and planning: common questions

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.

Do you work in Sunderland?

Yes. Sunderland is within our coverage for architectural design and planning, along with nearby Seaham and Washington.

Other towns nearby

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