Guide

Planning drawings vs building regs drawings: what's the difference?

Why most extensions need two sets of drawings, what each one shows, and where structural calculations fit.

Planning permission and building regulations are two separate approvals, and they need different drawings.

Planning drawings: what it looks like

Planning is about how the extension affects the street, the neighbours and the character of the area. The drawings show size, shape, position, windows and materials: existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, a roof plan, and a location and site plan.

Building regs drawings: how it's built

Building regulations are about safety and performance: structure, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage and access. The drawings are technical, with sections, construction details and specification notes. They're what building control approves and what your builder prices from.

Structural calculations

If there's a steel beam, a new opening or a loft floor, building control needs calculations proving the structure works. Many firms send these to a separate engineer. At Ashbridge they're done in-house.

What it costs

For a single-storey extension: planning £650, building regs £850, both stages £1,350, or Complete with calculations £1,695. See all prices.

Sources

Ready for a fixed price?

Tell us about your project or the home you're buying. You'll get a clear, fixed quote, usually the same day.

WhatsApp Snag price Get a price
Chat on WhatsApp