Lets Build It Together
Lets Build It Together
Let's Build It Together
Mon - Thurs: 07:00 - 19:00, Fri: 07:00 - 17:00
01253 366100
0800 098 2621
We are proud to serve the North of England & Wales
Pre-Planning Advice
Do you need Pre-Planning Advice
Pre-planning advice, also known as pre-application advice, is not mandatory but is strongly recommended to limit your risk and expense. After all who wants to pay for drawings or apply for planning permission for something that isn't feasible?
In order to obtain planning advice for your proposed development you can contact your local planning authority or town planner. You might have already tried to reach out to your local council and realised that it your no further along. Even if you do manage to get in touch, they will require you to submit a formal pre-application with drawings and a detailed written proposal before they can provide feedback. Seeking professional advice through your council's pre-application service we can help speed up the planning process and highlight any potential problems before you submit an application.
Before commencing a project, most of our customers want to know;
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Is my project feasible?
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Do I need planning permission?
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What is required to apply for planning permission?
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What is the process to apply for planning permission?
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How long will it take to get planning permission?
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How likely is the council to grant planning approval?
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What happens if planning permission is refused?
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How much will it cost?
These are exactly the right questions to ask and it is very important to get the answers before either proceeding with a planning application or starting construction.
option 1 -
Pre application
To submit a pre-application for any type of development you will require drawings including elevations, floor plans, block plans and a site location plan, to show the property before and after the proposed development. You will also require a detailed written proposal. You will then need to submit the online form and pay the relevant fee, depending on the type of development. If your proposal is vague or lacks the required detail then you can expect an equally vague and unhelpful response from your council. It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to get a response to a pre-application. It's important to bear in mind a pre-application does not grant any approval or pre-approval. It will simply be a written response to advise whether permission is likely to be required, what would be required to support a planning application, and an indication of whether in principle it is likely to be approved or not. Many councils are significantly backlogged and have removed their pre-application advice service. The cost of a pre-application varies depending on the project type, size and local authority fees. For smaller schemes such as residential developments, the cost is up to £450, although it can be a lot more for multiple dwellings or large commercial developments.
option 2 -
Pre application
We can conduct a Planning Appraisal where we do the same checks as your council, including checking the relevant planning policies, planning history, and any planning constraints at the site address. The difference is that you don't need architect drawings or a detailed written proposal and we can give you the answers in a week rather than 8 weeks. We will do the research, which usually takes an hour or more. Then you will have a telephone consultation with us, which is usually about 15-30 minutes, depending on how complex your project is and how many questions you have. At the end of the call, you will know whether your project is feasible, assuming it is, whether it needs any kind of permission, the likelihood of success, requirements and timescales for the process. One advantage of seeking pre-application planning advice is that it allows you to make informed decisions regarding any potential need for additional information. This may include specialist reports, extra planning statements, or supplementary drawings, which could potentially increase costs or cause delays. By having all the necessary facts beforehand, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises throughout the process
Feasibility Report and quote
Following the telephone consultation with us, we will write a detailed feasibility report with all the findings, recommended course of action, and the likelihood of success. This will include the project brief, the site location, local authority, relevant planning history, planning constraints, what will be required to submit a planning application and importantly the likelihood of success. If your project is high risk or not possible we will let you know and equally if it has a strong chance of being approved you will be able to move forward with confidence.
Once we know exactly what is required, assuming your project is feasible, the feasibility report will be sent together with an accurate quote for anything you need, including drawings and planning application. We hope that your project will be feasible but if not, it's always better to find out before paying for drawings or an application. All of our quotes are backed by our price match guarantee and we will beat any like-for-like quote.
We can get you started with our planning permission drawings, contact us today to get our bespoke planning and design packages
Planning Application drawing packages for your house extension, barn, loft, garage and basement conversion projects.
We work with you to develop your vision into a complete design package,
we produce all the drawings you require and take care of the planning application on your behalf.
Click here for further information
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER AND CDM ADVISOR
​We integrate health and safety into the management of construction projects from the design concept onwards, resulting in safer living and working environments.
Measured surveys
We will visit your site to conduct a thorough survey, allowing us to produce a set of initial plans which will include accurate measurements and land properties to enable us to design your detailed 3D plans.
Measured surveys with 3D laser scanning
There are various ways of documenting data however the fastest and most accurate method of data collection is by using 3D laser scanning equipment.
Plans
Elevations
Sections
Location plan
Site plans
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WHEN ARE MEASURED SURVEYS NEEDED?
We work with architects, homeowners, property developers and construction companies providing them surveys for:
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Property developments
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Building applications
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Project design and renovation
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As-Built documentation drawings
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Structure health monitoring
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Quality control during and after the construction process
we use various ways of documenting data however the fastest and most accurate method of data collection is by using 3D laser scanning equipment.
HOW MUCH DOES A MEASURED SURVEY COST?
Measured building survey cost can be between £250 to £1000+. Costs are estimated for each project discretely and depends on:
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Required deliverables: 3D Point Cloud, BIM Revit model, 2D AutoCAD drawings
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Building size
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Building complexity
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Types and quantities of drawings required
Permitted Development or planning permission
We check your property and project brief against local and national planning policies to determine the type of planning action required.
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This will be :
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Planning permission
or
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Certificate of Lawful Development within the rules of permitted development
What can we do for you?
Whether you are looking for a new build, extension or renovation, Sphion Ltd will help you through the whole design and planning process. We offer a FREE initial consultation, evening and weekend appointments, and the following services:
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Architectural Designs & Surveys
We are qualified and experienced architectural technicians; we specialise in building design and planning
Building Conversions & Refurbishments
We cover all aspects of building work including re-designs, extensions & conversions
Garage, Loft & Barn Conversions
Whether it's a garage conversion, loft, porch, annexe or outbuilding we can design a fantastic new space for you
House Extensions, Remodelling & Alterations
Whether you are renovating, extending, or buying we can provide you with a wealth of advice and information and assist you through out each step of the process
Building Regulation Applications & Drawings
We complete the necessary paperwork and produce architectural drawings, and advise and submit planning and building regulation applications on your behalf
Building Space Planning & Draughting Services
We combine extensive knowledge of construction with architectural flair to create innovative solutions
Feasibility Studies
We investigate and evaluate the potential of a site or building, so you can be confident your requirements are understood and being met
Listed Buildings & Property Development
Developing property with historic or architectural interest? We offer a sympathetic approach to sensitive and listed buildings
2D & 3D Visualisation
Architectural visualisation can make a real difference to the success of any development, enhancing a project at every stage of the process