Quick summary: planning permission drawings cost
For most UK homeowners, planning permission drawings cost somewhere between £500 and £1,500 for a typical householder project such as a rear extension, loft conversion or garage conversion. Larger or more complex schemes can be £2,000+.
- Small jobs (porch, simple internal changes): often £300–£700 for planning drawings.
- Typical extensions / loft conversions: usually around £700–£1,500 depending on size and detail.
- Major remodels / new builds: expect £2,000–£4,000+ for full planning drawing packages.
- Building Regulations drawings, structural calculations and council fees are extra – your planning drawings fee rarely covers everything.
The right price depends on how detailed the drawings are, who prepares them (technician vs architect), how many revisions you need and whether you also want the designer to handle the planning application for you.
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Quick summary: planning permission drawings cost
For most homeowners, planning permission drawings cost between £500 and £1,500 for a typical extension, loft conversion or similar householder project. Smaller, simpler proposals may be under £500, while complex remodels and new builds can run to several thousand pounds.
These fees are separate from the council’s planning application charge, from structural engineer costs and from Building Regulations drawings.
Typical planning permission drawing costs in the UK
When you first look into extending or altering your home, it is natural to ask, “How much do planning permission drawings cost?”. Unfortunately, there is no single fixed price. However, there are fairly reliable bands that most projects fall into.
Planning application drawings cost – ballpark ranges
- Small, simple projects – for example a porch, simple internal reconfiguration or small outbuilding: around £300–£700 for planning drawings.
- Single-storey rear or side extension: usually £700–£1,200 for full planning permission drawings cost, including plans, elevations and site plan.
- Loft conversion or two-storey extension: commonly £900–£1,500, depending on size and roof complexity.
- Garage conversion or garden room: often £500–£1,000 for planning drawings, unless the design is highly bespoke.
- Major remodel / new build home: expect £2,000–£4,000+ for full planning drawing packages.
Online “cheap planning permission drawings” services sometimes advertise prices from £199 or £250. These can look attractive but often provide a very stripped-back service with limited revisions and little design input. It is worth comparing these against a local technician or architect so you understand what is, and is not, included.
Quick costs snapshot – planning drawings cost at a glance
- Most typical projects: £700–£1,200 for planning drawings.
- Very small jobs: £300–£500.
- Larger / complex designs: £1,500–£3,000+.
- Extra services (survey, 3D visuals, handling the application, dealing with neighbours) will add to the overall fee.
Council planning application fees (currently around the £260 mark for a standard householder application in England) are charged in addition and are paid directly to the local authority, not to your designer.
What actually drives planning drawing cost?
Two homeowners can be quoted very different prices for “planning drawings” because the scope is different. Before you compare quotes, it helps to know what usually changes the cost.
1. Size and complexity of the project
A simple, boxy single-storey extension is quicker to design and draw than a remodel with multiple roof changes, split levels and glazed links. More design time and more drawings mean a higher planning permission drawings cost.
2. Level of detail you need
Some quotes only cover planning-level drawings – enough for the council to assess the proposal. Others include extra detail so your builder can price accurately or so Building Control can use them as a starting point. The more detail you ask for up front, the more time your designer must spend.
3. Who prepares the drawings
Fees will also vary depending on whether you use:
- an architect or architectural technologist,
- a design and build company,
- an independent planning consultant with drawing capability, or
- a low-cost online plan drawing service.
Architects often charge more but may include detailed design development and support. Technicians and specialist planning drawing firms can be more cost-effective for straightforward extensions.
4. Number of design options and revisions
Many homeowners want to see two or three layout options before deciding. Some drawing services include this; others charge extra. Similarly, if you need multiple rounds of changes after the first draft, your total planning permission drawings cost may rise.
5. Location in the UK
Fees in London and the South East tend to be higher than in other parts of the UK. Local council expectations also differ; some are happy with very simple drawings, whereas others expect a higher level of detail.
What’s included in planning permission drawings fees?
Different providers bundle things in different ways. However, a typical “planning drawings” package for a householder project usually includes:
- Measured survey of the existing house – sometimes as a separate fee.
- Existing floor plans and elevations.
- Proposed floor plans and elevations (the new layout and external appearance).
- Roof plans or sections where needed.
- Site plan / block plan at the scales the council asks for.
- Location plan based on Ordnance Survey mapping (this is sometimes charged as a disbursement).
Many designers will also:
- prepare the online planning application,
- upload all drawings and supporting documents, and
- act as your agent if the council comes back with questions.
When you are comparing the cost of planning drawings for an extension or loft conversion, it is worth asking whether acting as the planning agent is included or quoted separately.
Planning drawings cost vs Building Regulations drawings cost
One of the biggest confusions we see is between planning drawings and Building Regulations drawings. They are not the same thing, and they are often priced separately.
Planning permission drawings
- Show the overall design, size, shape and appearance of the proposal.
- Used by the planning department to decide whether the project is acceptable in principle.
- Focus on how the project looks and relates to neighbours and the street.
Building Regulations drawings
- Show construction detail – structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage, stairs and so on.
- Used by Building Control to check compliance with Parts A–P of the Building Regulations.
- Often need coordination with structural calculations and sometimes SAP / energy assessments.
Fees for Building Regulations drawings can be similar to, or slightly more than, planning drawings, depending on how detailed they are. Our separate guide on plans for Building Regulations explains these in more depth.
Not sure what level of drawings you actually need?
Send us a brief description of your project and we’ll outline whether you just need planning drawings, Building Regulations drawings, or both – and what that usually costs.
Can you do your own planning permission drawings?
Technically, yes – you can draw your own plans for planning permission as long as they meet your council’s drawing standards (scale, clarity, information shown). Some homeowners with drafting or design experience do this to reduce costs.
Using an experienced professional for planning drawings will usually:
- produce clearer, more accurate plans that builders and planners understand,
- avoid common technical mistakes (for example, missing height information or incorrect scale), and
- come with advice on what is likely to gain approval first time.
Our article on architect drawings for planning permission looks at the pros and cons of different types of designer in more detail.
How to budget and brief for planning drawings (step-by-step)
To keep your planning permission drawings cost under control, it helps to follow a simple process.
Step-by-step: budgeting for planning drawings
- Clarify your project scope. Are you planning a small porch, a sizeable rear extension, a loft conversion, or a full remodel?
- Check if you actually need full planning permission. Start with our planning permission guide and the “do I need planning permission?” checklist.
- Decide what you want the drawings for. Planning approval only? Or also for builder pricing and Building Regulations?
- Gather inspiration and rough measurements. Photos, sketches and Pinterest boards all help the designer understand what you want.
- Request 2–3 comparable quotes. Ask each provider to itemise survey, planning drawings, Building Regulations drawings and application management.
- Check timescales and revision policies. Agree how quickly first drafts will be produced and what happens if the council requests changes.
- Allow a contingency. Keep a small budget aside (often 10–15%) in case extra drawings or structural input is needed.
If you are planning a larger extension or multiple changes at once, it can also be worth reading our broader guides on making plans and overall planning permission costs so you can see where drawing fees sit within the total budget.
FAQs: planning permission drawings cost
How much do planning permission drawings cost for a typical extension?
For a straightforward single-storey rear or side extension, planning permission drawings cost is often in the £700–£1,200 range. That usually includes a measured survey, existing and proposed plans and elevations, plus the site and location plans. Larger, two-storey or wrap-around extensions will tend to sit towards the upper end of that range or a little above it.
Are planning application drawings cost and Building Regulations drawings cost the same thing?
No. Planning drawings are used by the planning department to decide whether the proposal is acceptable in principle. Building Regulations drawings go into much more construction detail and are used by Building Control. Many homeowners pay for these in two stages – first the planning drawings, then the Building Regulations package once permission is granted.
Do I need drawings for permitted development projects?
Even if your project falls under permitted development, in practice you will still need clear drawings. They are essential if you want to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, and they help your builder price the work accurately. Our guide on drawings for planning applications explains how councils use these documents.
Why are some planning permission drawings so cheap online?
Online services often keep the planning permission drawings cost down by limiting site visits, revisions and design input. You may be expected to provide your own measurements and sketches, and support after submission can be minimal. This suits some straightforward projects, but if your site is awkward or you want design advice, a more hands-on local service may be better value overall.
Who does drawings for planning permission – do I have to use an architect?
You do not have to use a registered architect. Many planning permission drawings are prepared by architectural technologists, technicians or specialist plan-drawing practices. The key is that they understand your local council’s requirements and are used to producing drawings that planners and builders can work with.
Still unsure what a fair fee looks like?
We review quotes for planning drawings every week and can quickly tell you if something looks missing or unrealistic.
Next steps & useful guides
If you are planning a project and want to go deeper than planning permission drawings cost alone, these guides will help:
- 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) – What Drawings You Need & When
- Typical range (householder) About £500–£1,500 for most extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions.
- Small projects £300–£700 for simple porches, internal changes or small outbuildings.
- Big / complex schemes £2,000–£4,000+ for major remodels, multiple extensions or new build homes.
- What’s usually included Measured survey, existing and proposed plans and elevations, site and location plans, and often submission of the planning application.
- What’s extra Building Regulations drawings, structural calculations, planning application fees, specialist reports (trees, heritage, drainage) and party wall matters.
- Key decision Choose whether you want a low-cost “draw what you tell us” service or a more involved design process with support through to approval.
Not sure where your project sits? Ask Plans Made Easy to sense-check your expected drawing costs before you commit.
Official guidance
For the latest rules and fee levels, it’s always worth checking:
- Planning Portal – national planning guidance and application information
- GOV.UK – planning permission in England and Wales
How Plans Made Easy can help
Understanding planning permission drawings cost is only one part of getting your project approved smoothly. The quality of the drawings, how clearly they communicate your idea and how well they address your council’s policies all play a big role in whether you get a swift “yes” or months of delays.
Our team works with homeowners across the UK to prepare compliant drawings, manage planning applications and coordinate Building Regulations information. We always explain costs up front and keep the drawing package proportionate to the scale of your project.
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