Extension plans and drawings in Canterbury
For Canterbury homeowners we handle extension plans and drawings, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in CanterburyFrom £1,300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale2–6 weeks for drawings
- Postcode districtsCT1, CT2
Planning and approvals in Canterbury
In England the main routes are permitted development (ideally confirmed with a lawful development certificate, £274), larger home extension prior approval (£249, 42 days) and a householder planning application (£548, normally 8 weeks), with council fees as set from 1 April 2026.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Local to Canterbury
Site visits are available across Canterbury (CT1, CT2). We also work in nearby Whitstable (6 miles), Herne Bay (7 miles), Faversham (9 miles), Ashford, Kent (13 miles).
For homes towards Essex, Southend-on-Sea is around 24 miles away. The South East has a broad mix of 1930s semis, post-war estates, newer developments and period cottages, and many houses have enough garden for a generous rear extension.
Fees in Canterbury
These are guide fees for Canterbury, adjusted for South East England (×1.12) and including VAT. Council application and inspection fees are paid separately.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Measured survey and planning drawings | £1,300 – £2,500 |
| Standard | Planning drawings plus building regulations drawings | £2,450 – £4,300 |
| Premium | Full pack with structural calculations and 3D visuals | £3,800 – £6,200 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
When it helps
- Projects that need a planning application or other approval
- Anyone who wants fixed designs before getting build prices
- Homeowners at the very start of a project
The most expensive changes are the ones made after the steel is ordered. A good design stage settles layout, heights, glazing and services on paper, so the build price is firm.
From first visit to completion
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Canterbury
Do I need building regulations approval in Canterbury?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Canterbury, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Will my neighbours in Canterbury be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
Can I use your drawings with another builder?
Yes. Once paid for, the drawings are yours to use for your project.
Do I need an architect?
Not necessarily. For most extensions an experienced designer or architectural technologist is enough. For listed buildings or complex sites an architect’s input can help.
Book a free site visit in Canterbury
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.