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Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Different types of development require different planning consents; however, some work can be carried out without planning permission if it falls under the parameters of “permitted development”. Give us call and talk through your project with one of our expert team, where they can determine whether your project would fall under permitted development. And if it doesn’t, we can advise you on the type of permission you need. Even if your project does fall under permitted development, we often advise you apply for something called a lawful development certificate, to provide you with a legal document confirming your developments legitimacy.
For most householder applications, you can usually expect a decision within 8 weeks, while more complex applications may take up to 13 weeks. However, delays can happen – often due to the proposal’s complexity, local authority workload, or issues raised during consultation. A well-prepared, accurate application with all the right information from the start can help keep things on track.

Carrying out work without planning permission can lead to enforcement action from your local council. You might be required to change or remove the unauthorised work, and ignoring an enforcement notice is a criminal offence. While you may be able to apply for retrospective permission, approval isn’t guaranteed. To avoid costly setbacks, it’s always best to check before you build.

When planning permission is granted, it often comes with conditions that require extra information—like material details, landscaping plans, or drainage reports. A Discharge of Conditions application is how you formally submit this information to the local authority. These conditions usually need to be approved before work starts or before the building is occupied.

Costs can vary widely depending on the size, scope, materials, and level of finish. While we can give ballpark figures based on past experience, we’re not cost consultants—and factors like market conditions or site-specific issues can impact the final cost. For tighter budgets, we recommend bringing in a Quantity Surveyor for a more accurate estimate after the concept stage.

An architecture practice can add real value to your project—especially if it’s complex or ambitious. They bring creative design ideas, technical know-how, and a solid understanding of planning rules and building regulations. From making the most of your space to helping avoid costly mistakes, we can guide you through the complicated world of a construction project and help turn your vision into a buildable reality.

It depends on your project’s complexity. You may need input from specialists like structural engineers, ecologists, or drainage consultants—especially for planning applications or structural work. We’ll assess this early on and let you know what’s needed. If other consultants are required, we can help you source quotes, appoint the right people, and coordinate everything to keep your project running smoothly.

We usually provide one well-thought-out concept based on your brief, along with one round of revisions to refine the design. This focused approach keeps the process efficient and on track. If you’d like to explore multiple options, we’re happy to offer a tailored quote for additional concepts to suit your needs.

That’s totally okay — design is a collaborative process. We work hard to understand your brief from the start, but we always include a full round of revisions so you can give feedback and request changes. Your input is key to getting the design just right.

Yes — we can stay involved for as much of the construction phase as you need. Some clients just need help with early design and planning, while others want full support through to completion. We can provide technical drawings, help with building regs, offer on-site support, and act as Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act and CDM regulations. Our service is flexible to suit your project.

We always check local planning policies as part of our initial project review. Understanding your sites potential constraints and opportunities helps us ensure your proposal is viable and compliant from the start. So, you don’t need to worry—we’ll guide you through the regulations and keep your project on track.

Planning Map

To better understand the planning context behind the projects we work on, we recommend exploring the official UK Planning Data Map — a government resource offering insight into planning applications and land use across the country.
View UK Planning Data Map