Lets Build It Together
Lets Build It Together
We are an architectural design and technical consultancy providing planning, Building Regulations and construction-stage support services across residential and commercial projects.
PRE PLANNING ADVICE
Sphion Architecture offers a comprehensive architectural design, building regulations & planning consultancy service, we specialise in providing our clients bespoke building regulations drawing packages across the UK. Our architectural technologists are dedicated to assisting clients at every stage of their project.
Whether you're exploring options, you need planning permission, or simply seeking pre-planning advice, or require our assistance with applications, our expert consultants are here to guide you through the process.
Before commencing any project, most of our customers ask us the same questions which are;
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Is my project actually feasible, practically and financially?
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Do I even need planning permission at all ?
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What is required for me to apply for planning permission?
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What is the process when applying for planning permission?
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How long will it take to get planning permission granted or receive a decision?
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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. Our portfolio is full of examples of projects we have supported.
At Sphion Architecture, we provide 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 architectural drawings or apply for planning permission for something that isn't feasible?
In order to obtain planning advice for your proposed development you have two options, you can contact your local planning authority or a town planner. You might have already tried to reach out to your local council and realised that it can be difficult to speak to someone.
Even if you do manage to get in touch, they will require you to submit a formal pre-application with architectural drawings and a detailed written planning proposal before they can provide feedback.
Option 1: Pre-Application Advice
To submit a pre-application for any type of development you will require architectural 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 planning proposal. You will then need to submit the online form and pay the relevant fee, depending on the type of development. If your development 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 planning 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 £600, although it can be a lot more for multiple dwellings or large commercial developments. Contact us on 01253 366100 to see how we can help you today.
Option 2: Planning Appraisal
Alternatively, our architectural technologists 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 architectural drawings or a detailed written planning proposal and we can give you the answers in a day or three rather than 8 weeks.
First, one architectural technologist will research the regulations required for your project, which usually takes an hour or more. Then if required you will have a pre-application advice telephone consultation with our expert consultant town planner, 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 pre-application planning 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 planning process.