Quick summary: cost of planning drawings
For most UK homeowners, the cost of planning drawings ranges from £400 to £1,500 for a typical extension, conversion or remodel. More complex projects, or those in London or high-demand areas, can be £2,000+.
- Small/simple projects: £400–£700 for planning drawings (porches, small internal changes).
- Standard extensions/lofts: £800–£1,500 depending on detail, size and revisions.
- Major schemes/new builds: £2,000–£4,000+ for full drawing packages.
- Building Regulations drawings, structural calculations and council application fees are extra – your planning drawings quote rarely covers everything.
The final price depends on how detailed your plans need to be, whether you want your designer to manage the application, and how many changes you need before submission. Below we explain what’s usually included, what’s often not, and how to avoid hidden costs.
Wondering if a quote for planning drawings is fair?
Share your project with our team and we’ll let you know what a typical cost of planning drawings is for homes like yours in your local area.
Typical cost of planning drawings in the UK
One of the first questions we get from homeowners is: “How much do planning drawings cost?” There isn’t a fixed fee, but most projects fall into reliable bands. For a single-storey extension or loft conversion, expect the cost of planning drawings to be between £800 and £1,200. Small jobs, like porches or basic outbuildings, may be lower, while larger remodelling projects can go above £2,000.
Quick costs snapshot – planning drawings
- Small, simple projects (porches, minor internal changes): £400–£700
- Extensions and loft conversions: £800–£1,500
- Large or complex remodels: £2,000–£4,000+
- Extras (measured survey, 3D visuals, application management) may increase costs
What affects the cost of planning drawings?
Not all “planning drawings” quotes cover the same scope. Here’s what typically drives the cost up or down:
- Project size and complexity: The more changes or detailed work needed, the more drawings are required, so the fee increases.
- Level of detail required: Some quotes only include basic plans for planning permission, while others add details useful for builders and Building Control.
- Who prepares the drawings: Registered architects often charge more, but architectural technologists and plan technicians may be more cost-effective for straightforward projects.
- Number of revisions and design options: If you want multiple layout options or lots of changes, expect the final price to be higher.
- Location in the UK: Fees tend to be higher in London, the South East, and areas with strong demand or higher living costs.
What’s usually included in planning drawings?
Most providers bundle the following in a “planning drawings” package for householder projects:
- Measured survey (sometimes a separate fee)
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- Roof plans or sections where relevant
- Site/block plan and location plan at required scales
- Preparation and submission of the online planning application (if included)
- Acting as your agent with the council if questions arise
Some providers also include 3D visuals, neighbour consultation letters, or submission management. Always ask for a breakdown so you can compare like-for-like.
Planning drawings vs Building Regulations drawings
Many homeowners are surprised that planning drawings and Building Regulations drawings are different things. Planning drawings show the layout, size and appearance for council approval, but rarely have enough construction detail for Building Control or builders to build from.
- Planning drawings: For the council – show design, size, relationship to neighbours
- Building Regulations drawings: For Building Control and your builder – show structure, fire safety, insulation, drainage and compliance with the Building Regulations
Fees for Building Regulations drawings are typically quoted separately and may match or exceed the cost of planning drawings, depending on project detail. Our Plans for Building Regulations guide explains this in depth.
Not sure which drawings you actually need?
Send us a quick summary of your project and we’ll clarify whether you need planning drawings, Building Regulations drawings, or both – and what a fair fee looks like.
How to brief for planning drawings (step-by-step)
Step-by-step checklist: briefing for planning drawings
- Define your project: Are you adding a porch, extending, converting the loft, or remodelling?
- Check if you need planning permission: Start with our do I need planning permission guide.
- Decide your priorities: Council approval only, or do you want plans detailed enough for your builder and Building Control?
- Gather ideas and measurements: Photos, sketches, Pinterest boards – anything to help your designer understand your style.
- Get 2–3 quotes: Ask for itemised costs (survey, planning drawings, Building Regs drawings, submission fees).
- Ask about timelines and revision policy: How quickly will first drafts arrive? What if the council asks for changes?
- Set aside a contingency: A small extra budget (10–15%) in case you need extra drawings or engineer input.
Pitfalls and hidden extras to watch for
- Measured survey fees (sometimes quoted separately)
- Extra charge for 3D visuals or multiple design options
- Revisions after the first draft
- Handling the online planning application
- Ordnance Survey map purchase for location plan
- Dealing with council questions or neighbours after submission
Quick Costs Snapshot – cost of planning drawings
- Typical householder project: £800–£1,200
- Small/simple project: £400–£700
- Major/complex project: £2,000–£4,000+
- Planning application fee (council): ~£260 (paid separately)
- What’s extra: Building Regs drawings, structural calculations, specialist reports (trees, heritage, flood, etc.)
FAQs: cost of planning drawings
How much do planning drawings cost for an extension?
For a straightforward single-storey rear or side extension, planning drawings typically cost £800–£1,200, including survey, existing/proposed plans, elevations, and site plans.
Are planning drawings and Building Regulations drawings the same?
No. Planning drawings show the layout, appearance and relationship to neighbours for council approval. Building Regulations drawings include technical construction details for Building Control and builders. You often need both at different stages.
Do I need drawings for permitted development?
Even for permitted development, you’ll need clear drawings for a Lawful Development Certificate, and to help your builder price the work. Our Drawings for Planning Application guide explains more.
Why do some drawing services look so cheap online?
Very low fees may mean minimal design input, no site visit, limited revisions and little help after submission. Check what’s included, and compare reviews.
Do I need to use an architect for planning drawings?
No. Drawings can be produced by architects, technologists, technicians or specialist drawing firms. The key is experience with your local council’s requirements.
Still unsure what a fair fee is?
We check drawing quotes every week and can quickly spot missing details or hidden extras.
Next steps & useful guides
If you want to understand the cost of planning drawings in more context, try these detailed guides:
- Planning Permission Drawings: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
- Planning Permission Cost (UK): Complete Guide for Homeowners
- Making Plans: Complete Guide to Costs, Drawings & Approval
- Architect Drawings for Planning Permission (UK Guide)
- Drawings for Planning Application (UK Guide for Homeowners)
- Extension Drawings Explained – What’s Included and Why You Need Them
- Plans for Building Regulations (UK Guide)
- Usual cost range (extensions, conversions) £800–£1,200 for typical householder projects
- Small/simple jobs £400–£700
- Large/complex jobs £2,000–£4,000+
- What’s usually included Measured survey, existing/proposed plans & elevations, site/location plan, and sometimes submission
- What’s extra Building Regulations drawings, structural calculations, planning fees, specialist reports
- Decision point Decide if you want a “draw what you tell us” service or a design process with support
Not sure which bracket your project fits? Ask Plans Made Easy to check your drawing costs before committing.
Official resources
For up-to-date guidance and rules, see:
How Plans Made Easy can help
The cost of planning drawings is just one part of the approval process. Our team creates clear, compliant plans, manages submissions, and keeps you informed on costs and council quirks. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your project on track from idea to approval.
Ready to move your project forward?
Plans Made Easy can prepare compliant plans, manage submissions, and guide you from idea to approval.
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