Extension plans and drawings in Colchester
Need extension plans and drawings in Colchester? We survey the house, prepare what the council needs and deal with the officers until a decision is made.
- Guide price in ColchesterFrom £1,250 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale2–6 weeks for drawings
- Postcode districtsCO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO7
Planning and approvals in Colchester
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.
The planning position for a specific Colchester address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Covering Colchester
Across CO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO7, we can visit, measure and advise. The same team covers Clacton-on-Sea (13 miles), Witham (13 miles), Maldon (15 miles), Braintree (15 miles), all within easy reach.
Just over the Suffolk border, Sudbury is about 13 miles away. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
What it costs in Colchester
Fees below are our Colchester guide (×1.06, the East of England factor), including VAT. Council and building control fees are extra.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Measured survey and planning drawings | £1,250 – £2,350 |
| Standard | Planning drawings plus building regulations drawings | £2,300 – £4,050 |
| Premium | Full pack with structural calculations and 3D visuals | £3,600 – £5,850 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What is included
- Two or three layout options to compare
- 3D views to check the look and the light (full pack)
- Measured survey of the house and garden
- Structural calculations from an engineer (full pack)
- Planning drawings: existing and proposed plans and elevations, site and location plans
Our process, step by step
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
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Colchester
Will my neighbours in Colchester 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.
Do you cover all of Colchester?
Yes. We cover Colchester and the surrounding parts of Essex. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Colchester, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
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.
Can I use your drawings with another builder?
Yes. Once paid for, the drawings are yours to use for your project.
Book a free site visit in Colchester
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.