Architectural design and planning in West Sussex

Covering West Sussex

Our architectural design and planning service in West Sussex covers Crawley, Worthing, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and more.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.

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
Building regulations drawings and specification

How much should I budget for architectural design and planning?

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

How is architectural design and planning approved in West Sussex?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

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 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.

How does the project run?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
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.

What is a lawful development certificate?

A certificate from the council confirming that work is permitted development, which is useful when you sell.

Who deals with the council for a project in West Sussex?

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

Architectural design and planning near West Sussex

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