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Residential Interiors Design

Planning permission is a big step in any residential architect project. The green light opens the doors for the rest of the project to get underway. However, it is notorious for being difficult. This is why we offer help with planning permission as part of our comprehensive architecture service.

Here, you can see the stage where we secure planning of a typical residential project and decide if you would like our help with this process.

If you are interested in our assistance for your project and planning applications, get in touch with our team at Studio Arkell today.

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Step 1: Signing Contract

If you are already working with us and have been through the pre-planning stage, following the final design concept being agreed upon, our team will issue a fixed fee* quote and contract to you in respect of the planning stage.

Step 2: Help with Planning Application

Once the signed contract engaging our services has been received, the first step of our service providing help with planning permission will be to prepare a formal planning application with your agreed design.

If you have contacted us having already submitted a pre-planning application, this will most likely take into account any observations and design amendments raised during that process.

A planning application can consist of many detailed drawings, documents, surveys and background information, as well as the application itself.

When securing planning, your application could include:

Drawings:

  • Location Maps

  • Site Plans

  • Building Plans

  • Roof Plans

  • Elevation & Section Plans

  • Roof Plans

  • Drainage, Bin, Parking, Cycle Plans

  • Sketches & Details

Documents:

  • Design & Access Statement

  • Heritage Statement

  • Planning Statement

Surveys:

  • Environmental

  • Archaeological

  • Trees

  • Wildlife

  • Topographical

The Application:

  • Planning Application Form

  • Planning Application Payment

Often, if specialist knowledge is required for the preparation of a report necessary for securing planning, a consultant will be employed.

Studio Arkell regularly works with a range of planning consultants, so will be able to recommend one. Alternatively, we are happy to work alongside a consultant of your own choosing. It is worth noting that specialist consultants have their own fees and fee structures and will invoice you separately to Studio Arkell.

Stage 3: Submitting The Planning Application

Once we have prepared the application and had it agreed upon by you, the next stage of helping with planning permission is for our team to submit it to the relevant local authority as a formal planning application on your behalf.

After your application has been submitted, the Planning Department will issue a letter of receipt, including your planning reference number and target decision date and advise which planning officer has been assigned to your case.

A planning decision is usually made within 8-12 weeks of submission, which can vary from one local authority to the next. However, there is no guarantee that all decision dates are met; sometimes, complications or extenuating circumstances can lengthen the decision period.

Stage 4: While The Application Is Being Processed

Our help with planning permission does not end once the application has been submitted.

During the period leading up to the decision date, our team will liaise with the case office to receive updates on the progress of the application.

Where necessary, with your prior agreement, we will also make small amendments or additions to the application to aid the likelihood of being granted approval.

Stage 5: Receiving A Decision

By the decision date, we should have received a planning notice outlining whether the application has been granted or refused planning permission.

In some cases, even if permission is granted, there are planning conditions to be met, such as the use of particular materials in the build.

If planning permission has been refused, there is usually an opportunity within a specified time frame to amend the plan and have it reconsidered under the same application. Our help with planning permission will include adapting plans within the time frame and resubmitting them on your behalf.

Even if your application is refused planning permission, there will be a number of reasons given to explain why it failed to reach approval.

Should you wish to still pursue planning permission and continue the project, you will need to address the issues in any subsequent application.

However, if you believe that the application was erroneously refused, there remains the planning appeals process to investigate.

Progressing After Planning Permission Is Granted

Once we have been granted the planning permission needed for your project, the team at Studio Arkell will be able to progress your project to the next stage: technical drawings and building regulations.

*(Please note that additional costs would be incurred should you have a change of heart about the agreed design at this late stage once the planning application has been prepared or submitted or if the planners require additional detailed drawings, documents or surveys outside of the application documents quoted for at this stage of work.)

01202 232423

5 Castle St, Christchurch,
Dorset, BH23 1DP

info@studioarkell.com

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Interior Design

We can also assist with interiors specifications — for example, kitchen layouts, bespoke joinery, finishes, and fittings.

We can prepare a tailored quote based on the level of detail and input you’d like from us. The more information we specify upfront together, the smoother the build process will be, and the more accurate your contractor’s costings will be, helping to avoid unexpected costs.

This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.

Pre Application

If the proposed scheme is particularly large, complex, or potentially contentious, we may recommend submitting a pre-application enquiry to the local planning authority before proceeding with a full planning application. This can help clarify requirements, identify potential issues early, and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.

BREGs

After planning approval, the final stage is Technical Design, where we create detailed Building Regulation Drawings (BREGs).

A few important notes:

  • You’ll need Building Control sign-off for the build. This can be done through the local authority or privately, with fees paid directly to Building Control.

  • We can introduce you to trusted local structural engineers, or we’re happy to collaborate with any chartered engineer of your choice. Their fees are separate and payable directly to them.

  • We can also introduce you to reputable builders we regularly work with, if needed.

Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings to Building Control.

Planning

Once you’re happy with the proposed design, we’ll prepare your planning application pack.

A typical planning submission includes:

  • Location & Block Plan

  • Existing Plans & Elevations

  • Proposed Plans & Elevations (including coloured elevations)

  • Proposed Site Plan

  • Design & Access Statement

We’ll handle the submission on your behalf and liaise with the council throughout, keeping you updated every step of the way.

Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon submission of the application.

Concept

This is the exciting part — shaping a design that’s perfectly suited to you.

After our initial consultation, we’ve prepared a brief and a list of drawing deliverables. Here’s how this stage works: We start with a site survey to produce accurate existing plans and elevations. We then develop proposed design drawings based on the agreed brief. Once ready, we’ll invite you to our office for a design review. We’ll refine the design based on your feedback and issue a final drawing pack for you to sign off. Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings.