Extension plans and drawings in Dunstable
Need extension plans and drawings in Dunstable? We survey the house, prepare what the council needs and deal with the officers until a decision is made.
- Guide price in DunstableFrom £1,250 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale2–6 weeks for drawings
- Postcode districtsLU4, LU5, LU6
Who this service is for
- 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.
Planning rules that apply in Dunstable
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.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Extensions in and around Dunstable
Site visits are available across Dunstable (LU4, LU5, LU6). The same team covers Luton (5 miles), Leighton Buzzard (6 miles), Ampthill (10 miles), Kempston (16 miles), all within easy reach.
Harpenden, in Hertfordshire, is roughly 9 miles from Dunstable and also on our list. The East of England mixes market-town terraces, inter-war semis and modern estates. Clay soils are common in parts of the region, which can affect foundation design.
Design and approval fees for Dunstable
Guide fees for Dunstable including VAT, using our East of England factor of ×1.06. Council and building control charges are not included.
| 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 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
How the project works
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
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Common questions in Dunstable
How long does this take for a Dunstable home?
2–6 weeks for drawings, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Dunstable, 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 building regulations approval in Dunstable?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
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 Dunstable
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.