Architecture - Services

Bring Your Vision to Life with Fox Design Lancashire

Have a development project in mind? Let Fox Design Lancashire help you turn your ideas into reality. We offer a free, no-obligation site visit, where we provide tailored advice based on your specific needs. Following the visit, we’ll prepare a clear fee quotation outlining the architectural services we recommend to support your project.

With the guidance of an experienced industry professional, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive design service—from initial concept through to planning and/or building regulations approval.

Extensions of all types
Outbuildings
Garage conversions
Loft conversions
Barn conversions
New build dwellings
Internal remodelling / structural alterations
Change of use (planning)
Existing building surveys

Most building projects require either planning approval, building regulations approval, or both—depending on the nature of the work. Below is a brief overview of these two key stages in the design process.

Single Storey Rear Extension - Buckshaw Village

Single Storey Rear Extension - Parbold

Planning Permission

The Local Planning Authority (LPA) is responsible for assessing whether a proposed development should be approved, based on the information submitted. Applications may be granted with conditions or refused if the proposals do not comply with national and/or local planning policies. The planning process typically takes around eight weeks, although more complex proposals may take longer if the LPA requests an extension of time.

At Fox Design Lancashire, we provide expert guidance from the outset to give your proposal the best possible chance of success. We’ll identify any potential issues early in the process to help you navigate the planning system confidently and effectively.

In many cases, planning permission is not required for certain types of extensions or alterations—these fall under what’s known as Permitted Development (PD). We will advise you on whether your proposal qualifies for PD during your initial consultation. For more detailed information, you can visit the Planning Portal.

Note: If your proposal falls within Permitted Development rights, you may choose to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC). This provides formal confirmation that planning permission is not required and can be useful when selling or refinancing your property.

Building Regulations

This stage of the project typically follows planning approval (where required) and differs in two key areas:

Approval is guaranteed as long as the proposal demonstrates full compliance with all relevant technical regulations.

Planning drawings are only required to show the size, proportions, and position of the proposed development in a basic format. In contrast, Building Regulations drawings must include detailed technical information to demonstrate compliance with the wide range of building regulations. These detailed drawings also enable prospective contractors to provide accurate quotations and to carry out the construction effectively.

The application is assessed by either the Local Authority Building Control Department or an Independent Approved Inspector. Based on the submitted information, they will issue either a full approval or an approval subject to conditions. The process of obtaining Building Regulations approval typically takes around five weeks.

Single Storey Rear Extension - Whittle-le-Woods

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