F.A.Q.

How long does it take to produce the drawings and obtain planning permission?

Unless you have selected an express service, it usually takes us up to 21 days to complete your drawings and submit the application.

From this point, Local Planning Authorities usually take 8 weeks to issue a decision.

Am I allowed to make changes before the application is submitted?

Absolutely, we will have open communication throughout the design process to ensure you are happy with the proposals.

What if the application is rejected?

We try our best to manage your expectations and create realistic proposals for your property. For this reason, rejected applications for Speedy Plans isn’t a common occurrence.

However, if this does happen, we can have another go at the application - Local Planning Authorities usually offer one resubmission free of charge, provided the proposals are similar to the original application. Unfortunately this does mean that we would need to wait another 8 weeks for the LPA to issue a new decision.

What happens after the application is approved?

Once the Local Planning Authority issues an approval decision, this means you are legally entitled to build your proposals!

Next steps would be to ensure building control is handled properly before your works begin. Visit our Building Control Plans & Detail Drawings page to find out more about Building Control.

Note: You may also need to serve party wall and excavation notices to your neighbours. You can learn more about party wall on our Party Wall page.

How much do you charge? Are there any further fees?

Use our Instant Quote Calculator to figure out how much your project will cost in terms of planning and/or building control application fees.

Once a quote is issued, there will be no further or hidden charges - you pay what you were quoted!*

*In rare occurrences, the quote calculator may provide a fee which does not represent your project well. In such cases, you will be contacted immediately.

Please note: You may also need to serve party wall and excavation notices to your neighbours. You can learn more about party wall on our Party Wall page.

Do I need Building Control Approval?

In short Yes! You will need building control approval for most types of construction work. Visit Building Control Plans & Detail Drawings page to find out more.

Do I need a Structural Engineer?

A Structural Engineer is required in order to obtain building control approval for all extension types. You may get away without one for very small jobs such as window/door replacements or erecting a shed.

Does your Building Control package come with necessary structural drawings and/or calculations to get Building Regulations Approval?

Yes it does. Our fees include the cost of a structural engineer for your peace of mind and to avoid any surprise expenses.

How do I measure my own home?

Visit our Home Measuring Guide page to find out some tips and tricks on how to measure your home quickly and effectively.

Remember - if you can provide us with measurements, we are able to give you a generous discount as this avoids the need for us to visit and the rest of the project can be handled via online meetings.

Are your drawings different from an architect’s drawings?

Our drawings are not any different to those you would receive from a traditional architect. They serve the same purpose for our main business - to obtain planning and building control approvals for our clients.

Why are you cheaper than traditional architects?

Over the years we have built enough experience and have developed processes that reduce the time needed to complete a project significantly. Therefore we are able to offer much more affordable price packages for our clients.

Can you submit my drawings and act as my agent with the Local Planning Authority?

Absolutely, unless you specifically instruct us not to do it on your behalf, we will always handle this part ourselves to ensure a successful planning application progression once you approve the drawings for submission.

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