Planning Drawings That Councils Can’t Say No To.
We turn your ideas into council-ready drawings that cut through delays and keep your build moving.
Most projects don’t get stuck with builders — they get stuck with planners.
You’ve got the ideas, the budget, even the builder lined up… but the council won’t even look at you without the right drawings. Get them wrong, and you’re in for delays, rejections, and a lot of wasted money.
But Now, the Good News…
The good news is we know exactly what planners want to see. We produce precise, council-friendly drawings that stand up to scrutiny. No drama, no endless back-and-forth — just plans that get approved, so you can finally get on with building the thing!
Sound good? Let’s walk you through it
It’s about as simple as it gets: four steps and you’re approved.
We Scan Your Home
We pop round with our 3D LiDAR scanner and capture every nook and cranny with millimetre precision. No tape measures, no guesswork — just a perfect digital replica of your property, ready to become your plans.
Design Meeting
On the same day as your scan, you’ll sit down with your designer in the comfort of your own home. We’ll talk through your ideas, requirements, and the planning rules that apply — making sure everything’s clear before we even put pen to paper.
We Get to Work
Our team turns your scan into precise, council-friendly planning drawings in as little as 14 days. No waiting months, no nasty extras — and unlimited design changes are included until it’s exactly right.
Approvals Sorted
We handle the submission to your local council and stay on it until you’ve got a decision. No chasing emails, no sitting on hold — just a green light for your project without the headache.
Plans Approved. Clients Delighted. Google Agrees...
| Included as Standard | Traditional Local Architect | Online-Only Architects |
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| Fixed, transparent pricing |  |
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| Unlimited design revisions | |
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| Immediate project start | |
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| 3D LiDAR property scanning | |
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| Local knowledge & planning expertise | |
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| Meet your designer face-to-face | |
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| Remote/online meetings available | |
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| Council submissions handled for you | |
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| Everything under one roof (Party Wall, Land Registry, CAD) | |
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| Personal, local service | |
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“Planning permission relies on clear, accurate drawings that demonstrate how your proposal fits its context and meets local policy. SurvDesign produces precise site, floor and elevation plans for householder and full planning applications, with coordinated documents that help approvals go smoothly..”
What Are Planning Drawings?
Planning drawings are the visuals a council assesses when deciding whether to grant permission. They illustrate scale, massing, appearance and how the proposal relates to neighbours and the street scene.
What your application pack includes
Location & block plans to the correct scales with north point and boundaries.
Existing & proposed floor plans with key dimensions, annotations and room uses.
Existing & proposed elevations/sections showing heights, materials and openings.
Roof plans & site levels where required.
Design & Access Statement (where needed), outlining rationale and policy fit.
Planning vs Building Regulations drawings
Planning drawings answer can we build it here? Building Regulations drawings answer how will it be built safely and compliantly? We can prepare both packages, ensuring a smooth handover to the technical stage.
Local policies, constraints & documentation
We align drawings with your council’s validation checklist and address constraints such as conservation areas, Article 4 directions, overlooking/daylight, parking and trees. Where relevant we coordinate consultants (heritage, flood, ecology).
Householder vs full applications
For home extensions and alterations, householder applications are common; new builds and commercial schemes typically need full applications. We’ll recommend the right route and advise on permitted development/Lawful Development Certificates if permission may not be required.
Our Process for Planning Applications
Briefing & measured survey
We review objectives, measure accurately (site visit or supplied survey) and confirm deliverables and timelines.
Concept options & feedback
We prepare options that balance space, daylight, outlook and privacy. You’ll receive mark‑up reviews before we lock the scheme.
Final drawings & submission support
We issue a coordinated set for validation and can submit on your behalf, then respond to planning officer queries during determination.
Why Choose SurvDesign for Planning Drawings
UK policy‑aligned, buildable detail
Efficient workflows with clear scopes — no surprises.
Clear communication from start to sign‑off
You’ll know what’s happening at every stage, with prompt updates.
FAQs
Do I always need planning permission?
Not always — many minor works fall under permitted development. We’ll confirm your options and advise if a Lawful Development Certificate is sensible.
What scales do you use?
Typically 1:1250/1:500 for location/block plans; 1:100 or 1:50 for plans and elevations, depending on site and council preference.
How long does a decision take?
Most councils aim for 8 weeks from validation for standard applications; timelines vary by workload.
What file formats will I receive?
PDF for submission/review and DWG for coordination. Others on request.
Can you revise drawings after officer feedback?
Yes. We provide iterative updates under our unlimited revisions guarantee. We also handle resubmissions where required.