Planning drawings and Building Regulations drawings are created for different approval systems. The same project may need both, but the information and purpose of the drawings are not identical.
Planning drawings focus on the development proposal
Planning drawings communicate the size, form, appearance and relationship of the proposed development to the existing property and site. They help the local planning authority assess the proposal against national and local planning considerations.
Building Regulations drawings focus on technical compliance
Building Regulations information goes further into how the work is intended to meet applicable technical requirements. It can include construction build-ups, insulation, ventilation, fire-safety notes, drainage, dimensions, technical details and coordination with structural design.
One approval does not replace the other
A planning permission does not mean the technical construction complies with Building Regulations. Equally, Building Regulations approval does not grant planning permission where planning permission is required.
Why the planning design should anticipate the technical stage
A planning layout can become difficult to build if structural depth, stair geometry, insulation, drainage or energy requirements are ignored. Designing with the technical constraints in mind reduces the risk of changing the appearance or internal layout later.
Choosing the right package
Archi Project offers a Planning Design package and a Planning + Building Regulations package. The second option takes the agreed design into a coordinated technical stage, subject to the defined scope and any separate specialist inputs required.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit the same drawings for planning and Building Regulations?
Some base drawings may be reused, but Building Regulations generally need substantially more technical information.
Do I need planning permission before Building Regulations drawings?
Not in every circumstance, but many homeowners choose to settle the planning design before investing in the full technical package.
Can planning approval be guaranteed?
No. Planning decisions are made by the relevant planning authority.
Official sources
These are the principal official sources used for this guide.