New Build Projects

Unlock the full potential of your plot

Whether you’re designing your own home or developing an empty plot, a new build project is an exciting opportunity. As well as making the most of available land, a well-considered design can significantly increase its overall value; making it a smart and future-proof investment.

At Plan It UK we support new build projects from the earliest stages, helping you to understand what’s possible and how best to achieve it. With a strong focus on planning and design, our expertise can give your project the best chance of success from the outset.

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Planning Applications

Before any of the actual construction work begins, it’s important to have a thorough idea of how your plans are likely to be viewed by the council. Planning decisions in the UK are assessed by your Local Planning Authority (LPA) and will vary from area to area. Decisions are based on whether the build would adhere to local development plans but will also include site-specific considerations such as whether the design and layout will fit within the existing neighbourhood as well as environmental impact and the effect on nearby infrastructure and services. This means that early research should be a key part of any new build project.

In many cases, arranging an outline planning permission meeting can be a valuable step as this allows you to present an initial idea to the council and receive early feedback on how it aligns with planning policy. Whilst not a guarantee of approval, this advice can help to identify potential issues and guide the direction of the project before an application is made.

Every new build project with Plan It UK begins with a site assessment to see how it can realistically be developed. This early-stage process helps to establish what’s likely to be supported by the local authority and whether there’s further opportunities to maximise the potential of the site.

We will assess:

The size and shape of the plot
Local planning policies and restrictions
The character of nearby properties
Access

Planning Permission & Approval

In many cases, planning permission is required before building work can begin. At Plan It UK we manage the entire planning process on your behalf, including preparing and submitting your application and handling communication with the council.

With a planning approval rate of around 96%, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to keep your project on track.

Approval Rate

Preparing A Strong Planning Submission

Once a clear direction has been established, the next step is preparing a well-supported planning application. The Plan It UK team will make sure that the documents below work together to demonstrate how the proposal fits within planning policy and complements its surroundings.

A typical submission will include:

A detailed description of the proposed development
Scaled architectural drawings, including plans and elevations
Supporting documents such as design and access statements or technical reports (depending on the site)

Working With The Right Expertise

New build projects often involve a wider range of considerations than extensions or internal alterations. For more complex sites, additional input may be required from specialist consultants which can help to strengthen your overall application. At Plan It UK we offer a full turn key service, which means you can rest assured that all of the expertise you need will be available from our specialist team and trusted network of 3rd-party consultants, which includes:

Planning consultants
Energy and sustainability specialists
Drainage or infrastructure experts
Other technical advisors relevant to the proposal

Comprehensive Design Support

Because our Design Process is handled under one roof in a coordinated way, each step builds naturally on the last, helping your project to move forward clearly and without unnecessary delays.

Download Our Design Process

Common Mistakes With New Build Projects

New build projects can be highly rewarding but they also carry risks if key decisions aren’t made at the right stage. Moving too quickly into a planning application can result in proposals that don’t fully align with local policy; leading to redesigns or even refusals.

Whilst it’s understandable that some homeowners choose to submit applications themselves, this often ends up slowing the process down. At Plan It UK we take the time to get this stage right from the outset, which is reflected in our 96% planning approval rate.

Some of the most common issues with ‘DIY’ planning submissions include:

Designing without considering buildability

Whilst design is important, it also needs to work in practice. Failing to consider structural requirements and construction methods can create challenges when moving towards the build stage.

Skipping early discussions with the Local Authority

Choosing not to seek pre-application advice can mean missing out on valuable feedback. Early input from the council can help to shape a proposal and reduce the likelihood of problems later in the process.

Underestimating the level of detail required

A strong planning application often needs more than just drawings. Supporting information, clear justification, and, in some cases, input from specialist consultants can all play a role in achieving that all-important green light.

Not considering access and site constraints

Factors such as access, neighbouring properties and surrounding homes and buildings can all impact whether a proposal is viable.

Moving forward without understanding planning policy

One of the biggest mistakes is designing a scheme without first considering local planning restrictions and policies.

Maximising The Potential Of Your Site

One Team From Start to Finish

Most designers engage multiple consultants to handle the required stages, which can quickly become complicated and expensive.

At Plan It UK we keep everything under one roof.

A successful new build project is not just about gaining planning permission; it’s about making the most of your site’s potential. Earlier this year, the Plan It UK team secured planning consent for a new three-bedroom property in Kent; increasing the sales value of our client’s plot by over £80,000. This was achieved by carefully assessing the site, understanding planning requirements and developing a proposal that aligned with both.

Planning Success & Peace of Mind

We’re proud to have an average planning approval rate of

That success comes from attention to detail and understanding what works; and what doesn’t. We manage the entire submissions process on your behalf, including all communication with the council.

From Planning Through To Construction

Once planning permission has been secured, the project can move onto the next stage. These steps are to make sure that your approved design can be translated into a buildable project. We will continue to support you as your project progresses and are always on-hand should you have any queries or concerns.

This includes:

Developing technical drawings for construction

Preparing structural information

Meeting building regulations requirements

At Plan It UK we believe in being transparent from the outset, which is why our services are offered at fixed prices. You will know exactly what to expect with no hidden costs as your project progresses.

For an accurate estimate though, it’s always best to consult with one of our team, but we’ve also put together this handy guide to costs that may be included.

“We are so happy we picked Plan It to design and manage our extension! Harry & Frazer made us feel so comfortable throughout the process, which is important when you are making decisions that can sometimes cost a lot of money. Based on our experience I would highly recommend - communication 10/10. Customer service 10/10. Quality of work 10/10. Just a generally helpful and knowledgeable team who can’t do enough to ensure your project goes well!!!!!”

Why Choose Plan It UK

5* Google Rating

Full turn key service, all in one place.

In-house structural engineering.

Nearly 2000 extensions completed.

96% planning approval rate.

Personal, 1-to-1 support throughout.

Fixed-costs from the outset.