Extension plans and drawings across Chester
For Chester homeowners we handle extension plans and drawings, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in ChesterFrom £1,100 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale2–6 weeks for drawings
- Postcode districtsCH1, CH2, CH3
Who this service is for
- Anyone who wants fixed designs before getting build prices
- Projects that need a planning application or other approval
- 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.
Planning rules that apply in Chester
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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 Chester
Across CH1, CH2, CH3, we can visit, measure and advise. Nearby, we also take on projects in Ellesmere Port (6 miles), Runcorn (12 miles), Widnes (14 miles), Winsford (15 miles).
Across the North West, terraced houses with small rear yards suit compact rear and side return extensions, while suburban semis have room for more.
Fees in Chester
Guide fees for Chester including VAT, using our North West England factor of ×0.95. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Measured survey and planning drawings | £1,100 – £2,100 |
| Standard | Planning drawings plus building regulations drawings | £2,050 – £3,650 |
| Premium | Full pack with structural calculations and 3D visuals | £3,200 – £5,250 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What happens next
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions answered
Do you cover all of Chester?
Yes. We cover Chester and the surrounding parts of Cheshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Chester 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.
How long does this take for a Chester home?
2–6 weeks for drawings, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
How much do extension plans cost?
Our design packs range from about £1,100 to £5,250 including VAT, from planning drawings only to a full pack with building regulations drawings, structural calculations and 3D views. Council fees are separate.
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 Chester
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.