Option 1
Measured survey
Understanding the existing house
The brief was to explore how the house could provide additional accommodation while making the shared spaces work for the people living there. The existing layout gave us a starting point to consider room arrangements, circulation and access to the garden.
Design
Testing the options together
We explored the house and garden as one site, using plans, elevations and 3D views to compare the rear extension, loft changes and different outbuilding options. These studies helped the client see how each approach would affect the spaces and their relationship to the garden.
Option 2
Planning application package
Developing the planning proposal
We work closely with Town & Country Planning Advisors Ltd. to prepare the planning application, bringing design and planning advice together as the scheme develops. This includes reviewing the accommodation and shared spaces alongside the extension and loft proposals, access, cycle and refuse storage, and sustainability considerations.
- PD.A100.1 Site Location Plan · 1:1250
- PD.A100.2 Existing Block Plan · 1:200
- PD.A100.3 Proposed Block Plan · 1:200
- PD.A101 Existing Floor Plans
- PD.A102 Ground Floor Plans
- PD.A103 First Floor Plans
- PD.A104 Second Floor & Roof
- PD.A201 Existing Elevations (Old Building)
- PD.A202 Proposed Elevations (Old Building)
- PD.A203 Proposed Elevations (New Building)
How the project develops
Survey
Review the existing house and prepare the information needed to explore the brief.
Design
Compare layouts, extension and loft proposals, and outbuilding options using drawings and 3D views.
Planning
Develop the application drawings with our planning consultant. The application is in preparation.
Technical Design
A separately agreed stage for construction drawings, structural coordination and Building Regulations information.
Construction
The work shown here is a design and planning appointment, not a construction case study.
Completion
No completed construction or handover outcome is presented for this project.
Design and planning application package
Stages 1 & 2 — Survey & Concept Design
- Visit the site and meet with the client to discuss requirements.
- Complete a detailed measured survey of the existing building.
- Prepare drawings of the existing property.
- Create a 3D model of the existing building and relevant external areas.
- Develop the project brief, including the client’s preferred layout, style, materials and budget.
- Develop sketch schemes in both plan and 3D to explore potential layouts and design options.
- Produce two-dimensional layouts and three-dimensional visualisations to show the intended proposal.
Stage 3 — Planning Application Package
- Existing site and location plans.
- Existing floor plans and elevations.
- Proposed floor plans and elevations.
- Sections, where required.
- A 3D model of the proposed design.
- Proposed site and location plans.
- A Design and Access Statement, where required.
Required mapping data is obtained for the site and location plans.
Design and Planning FAQ
When is a planning consultant needed?
A planning consultant is particularly useful when a scheme is complex or raises sensitive planning issues. We work alongside them to understand the relevant policies, identify potential concerns and refine the design before submission, helping to reduce the risk of refusal and avoidable expense. Approval cannot be promised: a refusal can lead to further design work, a revised application or an appeal, adding time and professional costs.
Why do you explore different design options?
Comparing options helps us understand what works best for the client and the site. Drawings and 3D visualisations make it easier to assess layouts, the scale of an extension or outbuilding, daylight and the relationship to the garden. We review the alternatives together and refine the preferred approach before developing the planning drawings.
What is included in a planning application package?
The package is tailored to the proposal and the local planning authority’s requirements. Our design and planning work can include:
- Existing and proposed site or block plans.
- Existing and proposed location plans.
- Existing and proposed floor plans, including roof and loft layouts where relevant. The ground-floor comparison sheet is shown above.
- Existing and proposed elevations. The proposed house elevation sheet is shown above.
- Sections, where required.
- A 3D model of the proposed design.
- A Design and Access Statement, where required.
- Other supporting information identified with the planning consultant, such as cycle and refuse storage or sustainability information.
The two sheets shown on this page are examples from the developing package, not the complete submission. Our guide to house-extension planning application drawings explains how the information works together. See Architectural Design & Planning for our service scope.
How long does it take to prepare a planning application?
Preparation depends on the complexity of the proposal, the information already available and how much design development is needed. A measured survey, comparison of options and any specialist input should be allowed for before submission. We agree the scope and likely programme at the outset and review it as the design progresses.
What happens if planning permission is refused?
The first step is to review the council’s reasons and discuss the available options with the planning consultant. Depending on the circumstances, these may include revising the proposal and submitting a new application, or appealing the decision. Further drawings, advice and application work can add cost and delay, which is why we address potential planning concerns as early as possible.
Are planning drawings enough to start building?
No. Planning drawings explain the proposal for planning assessment; they do not provide all the technical information needed for construction. Construction drawings, structural coordination and Building Regulations information form a subsequent stage, with the scope agreed separately. Structural reports and calculations are commissioned separately.
Planning changes to your property?
Tell us about the building, what you want to change and the stage you have reached. We can discuss the survey, design and planning work your project needs.