NEW BUILD DEVELOPMENT

New Build Development Feasibility & Design

Before progressing with a new build development, we can assess the feasibility and development potential of the site to establish the most appropriate design approach for the brief, budget and planning context.

We consider site constraints, access, neighbouring properties, surrounding character, planning policy, building scale, layout, amenity space and opportunities to maximise the development potential of the land. This helps determine the most suitable building footprint, massing, number of storeys and overall new build design strategy.

Early feasibility and concept design can reduce uncertainty, identify planning or site challenges and establish a clear direction before progressing into a full planning application, detailed architectural drawings or technical design stages.

Where planning permission is required, we can prepare and coordinate the application for your new build development. This includes developing the architectural design, producing the required planning drawings and preparing the supporting information needed for submission to the local planning authority.

The proposal is developed with consideration of local planning policy, site constraints, neighbouring properties, access, scale, massing, appearance and the character of the surrounding area.

We can also remain involved throughout the determination period, responding to planning queries and considering design amendments where appropriate. Our aim is to provide a clear, well-presented and policy-led planning submission that supports the proposed new build development and gives the application the strongest possible basis for consideration.

Planning Permission

New Build Development Feasibility & Design

New Build Feasibility & Site Appraisal

A new build project starts with understanding what can realistically be achieved on the site. We assess the development potential of the land, considering access, neighbouring properties, surrounding character, site constraints and relevant planning requirements.

Whether you are looking to create a single dwelling, multiple homes or maximise the potential of an existing plot, we explore suitable options for footprint, scale, layout and building form.

Our feasibility service can include site appraisal, initial planning research, concept layouts and early design studies, helping establish a clear development strategy before committing to a full planning application or more detailed architectural work.

New Build Concept Design

Good new build design should respond to the site while creating attractive, practical and well-planned homes. We develop architectural concepts that consider internal layouts, natural light, outdoor space, privacy, access and the relationship between the proposed building and its surroundings.

From individual houses to small residential developments, we explore different design approaches to establish the most appropriate scale, massing, appearance and arrangement for the site.

Our concept design service can include floor plans, elevations, site layouts and design development, helping turn the initial development idea into a coordinated architectural proposal ready for further planning and technical stages

New Build Planning Applications

Securing planning permission is a key stage in most new build developments. We can prepare and coordinate residential planning applications, developing the architectural proposal and producing the drawings and information required for submission to the local planning authority.

Each scheme is developed with consideration of planning policy, neighbouring properties, site constraints, access, scale, massing, appearance and the character of the surrounding area.

Our service can include planning drawings, design development, application coordination and responses during the determination period, helping present the new build development clearly and professionally while providing a strong foundation for progressing the project following planning approval.

Technical Design & Building Regulations

Once planning and the overall design are established, the new build project can progress into detailed technical development. We prepare coordinated architectural drawings that provide the information required for Building Regulations, construction and coordination with other consultants.

The technical design considers key elements such as wall and roof construction, insulation, fire safety, drainage, ventilation, structural coordination, accessibility and construction detailing.

Our service can include Building Regulations drawings, detailed plans, sections, construction details and consultant coordination, helping develop the approved scheme into a practical and buildable design that contractors and specialist consultants can use as the project moves towards construction.

Site Layout & Development Planning

A well-planned site layout is essential to making the most of a new build development while creating practical, attractive and well-connected homes. We consider how buildings, gardens, access routes and parking areas can be arranged to work efficiently within the available site.

We develop layouts that respond to plot shape, orientation, neighbouring properties, existing features and the wider character of the surrounding area while considering privacy, outlook and usable external space.

Our service can include site layout studies, dwelling positioning, access planning, amenity arrangements and design development, helping establish a coordinated development layout that can form the basis for later planning, consultant coordination and detailed design work.

Access, Parking & Site Circulation

Access and movement can have a significant influence on the design and viability of a new build development. We consider how residents, vehicles, pedestrians, cycles and servicing requirements can be accommodated safely and efficiently within the proposed site arrangement.

We develop layouts that respond to existing highway conditions, visibility, parking requirements, entrances, turning areas and pedestrian routes while ensuring these elements are integrated into the wider architectural design.

Our service can include initial access studies, parking layouts, cycle provision, refuse arrangements and coordination with transport consultants where required, helping develop a practical proposal that responds to both the needs of future occupants and relevant planning considerations.

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Daylight, Privacy & Residential Amenity

Creating good-quality residential accommodation requires careful consideration of daylight, privacy, outlook and the relationship between new homes and neighbouring properties. These factors can strongly influence building positioning, window locations, internal layouts and the overall scale of a development.

We develop new build proposals that aim to provide comfortable internal spaces, useful gardens or terraces and appropriate separation between neighbouring homes while making effective use of the available site.

Our service can include layout reviews, window positioning, amenity planning, privacy considerations and coordination with specialist daylight consultants where necessary, helping shape a residential development that balances development potential with the quality and usability of the proposed homes.

Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Design

Sustainability can be considered from the earliest stages of a new build project to help create homes that are efficient, comfortable and suited to modern construction standards. Early design decisions can influence energy performance, overheating, natural light and long-term running costs.

We consider building orientation, glazing, insulation strategy, ventilation, renewable technologies and opportunities to reduce unnecessary energy demand while maintaining a practical and attractive architectural design.

Our service can include ear
ly sustainability considerations, coordination of energy requirements, integration of low-carbon technologies and collaboration with specialist consultants where required, helping ensure environmental performance is considered alongside planning, appearance, functionality and the wider objectives of the proposed new build development.

Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Design

New build developments often require input from several specialist consultants as the design progresses. Coordinating this information carefully can help identify conflicts early and ensure the architectural proposal continues to develop as one coherent and practical scheme.

We can coordinate with structural engineers, drainage consultants, transport specialists, energy assessors, arboricultural consultants and other professionals depending on the requirements and complexity of the proposed development.

Our service can include reviewing consultant information, updating architectural drawings, coordinating design changes and maintaining communication across the wider project team, helping ensure specialist requirements are incorporated into the scheme as it moves from the initial design stages towards approvals, technical development and eventual construction.

Sustainable & Energy-Efficient Design

Once the new build design has progressed through the required approvals, further information may be needed to help prepare the project for construction. Clear and coordinated architectural information can support pricing, contractor discussions and the practical delivery of the approved development.

We develop drawings and details that communicate the design intent while considering materials, construction interfaces, dimensions, openings, internal arrangements and coordination with structural and specialist information.

Our service can include detailed architectural drawings, construction information, specification development, consultant coordination and responses to design queries, helping bridge the gap between the approved design and the information required to move the new build project confidently towards procurement and construction.

Our Process

1. INITIAL CONSULTATION

We start by understanding your project, property, objectives and budget. This allows us to identify the key requirements, discuss potential opportunities and establish the most suitable route forward before any design work begins.

2. MEASURED BUILDING SURVEY/SITE SURVEY

We review the existing property and gather the information needed to develop accurate drawings. This may include measurements, photographs, site constraints and existing conditions that will influence the proposed design.

3. FEASIBILITY REVIEW

We assess what can realistically be achieved based on the site, planning considerations, available space and project brief. This helps identify suitable options before progressing into more detailed design work.

4. CONCEPT DESIGN

We develop initial layouts and design ideas that respond to the property, site and client requirements. Consideration is given to space, appearance, functionality, natural light and how the proposal integrates with its surroundings.

5. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

We refine the preferred concept into a more coordinated proposal. Layouts, elevations and key design elements are developed further so the scheme is clear, practical and ready for the next stage.

6. PLANNING SUBMISSION

Where planning permission is required, we prepare the necessary drawings and supporting information for submission. We can also coordinate the application and respond to planning queries during the determination period.

7. TECHNICAL DESIGN

Once the design is established, we prepare more detailed drawings for Building Regulations and construction. These can include plans, sections, construction details and coordination with structural or specialist consultants.

8. CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT SUPPORT & PROJECT PROGRESSION

We can remain involved as the project moves toward construction, helping coordinate information, respond to design queries and support the transition from approved drawings into a practical and buildable scheme.

CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT SUPPORT & PROJECT PROGRESSION
CONSTRUCTION, PROJECT SUPPORT & PROJECT PROGRESSION

Building Regulations

01 — Technical Design Development

Once the planning design is established, the drawings are developed in much greater technical detail. This includes wall, floor and roof build-ups, insulation, openings, stairs, drainage, ventilation, fire safety requirements, structural zones, junctions and key construction details. The aim is to turn the planning-stage design into a coordinated technical package that can be assessed against the Building Regulations and used as a reliable basis for construction.

02 — Construction Details & Build-Ups

Detailed construction information is developed to show how the different elements of the building are intended to come together. This can include external walls, floors, roofs, foundations, openings, insulation zones and important junctions between materials. These drawings help establish the required construction build-ups, support Building Regulations compliance and provide clearer information for contractors when pricing and constructing the project on site.

03 — Thermal Performance & Insulation

The technical design considers how the building envelope will achieve the required level of thermal performance. Wall, floor and roof constructions are developed with suitable insulation zones, continuity at junctions and consideration of thermal bridging around openings and structural elements. Where required, we coordinate with energy assessors and other consultants so that the proposed construction supports the relevant energy-efficiency requirements while remaining practical and achievable during construction.

04 — Fire Safety & Means of Escape

Fire safety requirements are considered as part of the Building Regulations design, including escape routes, protected areas, doors, alarms, separation and the performance of relevant walls, floors and ceilings. The requirements will vary depending on the scale, layout and type of project. We incorporate the necessary provisions into the architectural drawings and coordinate with fire consultants where specialist input is required to develop an appropriate and compliant design strategy.

05 — Ventilation, Drainage & Services

Building Regulations drawings can incorporate the key requirements for ventilation, drainage and the coordination of building services. This may include extract ventilation, background ventilation, soil and waste routes, rainwater drainage and space required for service installations. Considering these elements during the technical stage helps ensure that they can be integrated into the architectural design without creating avoidable conflicts during construction or compromising the appearance and functionality of the completed project.

06 — Stairs, Access & Safety

Stairs, changes in level and access arrangements are developed in greater detail during the Building Regulations stage. We consider matters such as stair dimensions, headroom, guarding, handrails, landings and the relationship between different floor levels. Where applicable, accessibility requirements are also incorporated into the design. Resolving these elements early helps ensure the proposed layout remains practical, safe and capable of meeting the relevant regulatory requirements before construction work begins.

07 — Structural Coordination

The architectural drawings are coordinated with the structural design so that beams, columns, foundations, openings and other structural elements can be properly incorporated into the project. We work alongside the appointed structural engineer and update the drawings where required to reflect their calculations and recommendations. This coordination helps reduce clashes between the architectural and structural information and creates a more complete technical package for Building Control, contractors and the wider construction team.

08 — Building Control Coordination

Once the technical package is prepared, it can be submitted for Building Regulations approval through the appropriate Building Control route. We can remain involved during the review process, responding to comments, updating drawings and coordinating additional information where necessary. This helps keep the application moving and ensures that requested technical matters are addressed before or during construction, providing a clearer route from the approved design through to the delivery of the project on site.

Structural engineer calculations are required where the proposed works affect the structure of the building, such as removing loadbearing walls, creating large openings, installing steel beams, altering roof structures or strengthening floors. The engineer assesses how loads are transferred through the building and designs the structural elements required to support the proposed works safely. Their calculations are then coordinated with the architectural and Building Regulations drawings so that beam sizes, bearings, columns, foundations and other structural requirements are properly incorporated into the design before construction begins.

01 — Structural Assessment

Before calculations are prepared, the proposed design is reviewed to understand how the existing and new structure will work together. This can include identifying load-bearing walls, existing floor and roof arrangements, proposed openings, extensions and areas where new structural support may be required. The assessment helps establish the most appropriate structural approach for the project and allows the engineer to determine what calculations, beams, foundations or other structural elements will be needed to support the architectural design.

02 — Beam & Steel Calculations

Where walls are removed or larger openings are introduced, structural beams may be required to safely transfer loads through the building. The engineer calculates the size and specification of beams, columns, padstones and associated connections based on the loads they are required to support. These calculations are coordinated with the architectural drawings so that structural elements can be incorporated into the design while maintaining suitable headroom, ceiling levels and internal layouts and meeting the relevant structural requirements.

03 — Foundation Design

New extensions and structural alterations may require new foundations designed to safely transfer loads into the ground. The engineer considers the proposed building loads, existing structure, ground conditions and the relationship with nearby walls or foundations when determining an appropriate solution. This may include traditional strip foundations, pads or other systems depending on the project. The structural design is then coordinated with the architectural drawings to ensure foundation depths, widths and positions are clearly understood before construction begins.

04 — Load-Bearing Wall Alterations

Removing or altering a load-bearing wall requires careful structural consideration to ensure that the building remains properly supported. The engineer reviews the loads carried by the wall and designs suitable replacement support, which may include steel beams, columns, posts or padstones. The proposed structural arrangement is coordinated with the surrounding layout and construction so that the opening can be formed safely. This information provides Building Control and the contractor with the calculations and structural requirements needed to carry out the alteration correctly.

05 — Roof & Floor Structure

Changes to roofs and floors can introduce new loads or require alterations to the existing structural arrangement. The engineer can assess joists, rafters, beams and other structural members to determine whether additional support or strengthening is required. This is particularly important for loft conversions, extensions and projects involving larger openings or changes in layout. The calculations help establish suitable member sizes and structural arrangements while coordinating with insulation, ceiling zones, floor depths and other architectural requirements within the proposed design.

06 — Openings & Structural Support

New doors, windows and open-plan layouts can require structural support where existing walls are removed or altered. The engineer calculates how loads above the opening will be transferred safely and determines the appropriate lintels, beams, posts or supporting elements required. The design considers the width of the opening, building loads and surrounding construction. Coordinating these requirements with the architectural drawings helps ensure that structural supports are positioned correctly and that the proposed opening can be constructed without compromising the overall design.

07 — Engineer Coordination

Structural information needs to be properly coordinated with the architectural design so that both sets of drawings work together. We can liaise with the structural engineer, review their proposals and update the architectural drawings to reflect beams, columns, foundations and other structural requirements. This helps identify potential clashes with ceilings, openings, services or internal layouts before construction begins. Good coordination between the architectural and structural information provides a clearer technical package for Building Control, contractors and other consultants involved in the project.

08 — Calculation Package & Building Control

The engineer’s calculations and structural drawings form part of the technical information used to demonstrate compliance with the structural requirements of the Building Regulations. Once prepared, the information can be submitted alongside the architectural package for review by Building Control. Where comments or queries are raised, the engineer may provide additional information or revise calculations as required. Coordinating this process helps ensure that the structural design is properly documented and provides contractors with clear information for the construction of the proposed works.

Application Handling

Our involvement does not necessarily end once a planning application has been submitted. We can remain engaged throughout the determination period and communicate with the local planning authority where required.

This can include responding to planning officer queries, providing clarification, supplying additional drawings or information and discussing potential amendments to the proposal where appropriate.

Where the planning officer raises concerns that may be capable of being addressed through design changes, we can review the comments and consider whether revisions could improve the application while preserving the main objectives of the project.

Maintaining clear communication during the application process can help ensure that requests are dealt with efficiently and that the proposal continues to be presented as clearly as possible.

Planning advice

Planning Refusals & Resubmissions

Receiving a planning refusal can be frustrating, but it does not necessarily mean that the project cannot move forward. We can review the decision notice, reasons for refusal and planning officer comments to identify the main issues that affected the application.

Following this review, we can advise on the most appropriate next step. In some cases, a revised design and new planning application may provide the strongest route forward. In others, the issues raised may need to be addressed through additional justification, supporting information or changes to the planning strategy.

We can help redesign proposals where necessary and prepare a resubmission that responds directly to the matters identified by the council.

The aim is to turn the refusal into useful information that can inform the next stage of the project rather than simply repeating the same approach.

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Planning Appeals

Where a planning application has been refused and there are reasonable grounds to challenge the decision, a planning appeal may be considered.

We can review the refusal, planning history, relevant policies and supporting information to help determine how the appeal case should respond to the local authority's reasons for refusal.

Depending on the circumstances, we can assist with drawings, written representations and other information required to support the appeal process. The focus is on providing a clear and evidence-based response to the planning issues raised.

An appeal should generally be considered as part of a wider planning strategy, and in some cases a revised application may be more appropriate. We can help assess the available options before deciding how best to proceed.

Post-Permission Planning Support

Obtaining planning permission is often an important milestone, but further planning work may still be required before construction can begin.

We can assist with the discharge of planning conditions, minor amendments, non-material amendments and other post-permission matters where changes or additional information are required following approval.

Planning conditions can relate to matters such as materials, landscaping, details of construction, access, environmental requirements or other aspects of the approved development. These may need to be formally submitted and approved before certain stages of work can proceed.

We can also help coordinate the transition from planning approval into Building Regulations and technical design, ensuring that the next stage of the project remains aligned with the approved scheme.

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NEW BUILD DEVELOPMENT