Covering Swanley
We work in Swanley (BR8) and the places around it, including Bexley, Dartford and Welling.
Homes in the South East
Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.
What goes into 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.
- Planning or lawful development certificate drawings
- Submission and liaison with the planning officer
- Building regulations drawings and specification
What is the guide price for architectural design and planning in Swanley?
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 |
How is architectural design and planning approved in Swanley?
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 Swanley 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.
From first call to completion
- 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.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
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.
Can I use your drawings with another builder?
Yes. If you buy drawings on their own, they are yours to use.
Can you visit a house in Swanley 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.
Other towns nearby
- Architectural design and planning in Bexley
- Architectural design and planning in Dartford
- Architectural design and planning in Welling
- Architectural design and planning in Eltham
Learn more about architectural design and planning, or see every project we cover in Swanley.

