Terms of service
Terms of Service
Planning Studio – Terms of Service
Email: info@planning-studio.co.uk
1. Turnaround Time
Planning Studio aims to complete the first draft of plans within the agreed timeframe (normally 14–21 days after payment). However, unforeseen circumstances may cause delays, and no guarantees are made regarding this timeline.
For externally sourced engineering calculations, turnaround times cannot be guaranteed. Calculations will only be prepared after the drawings are finalised, typically requiring an additional 1–2 weeks. If necessary, a Building Control application can be submitted with the notation “calculations to follow” to accommodate tight deadlines.
2. Structural Calculations
For projects involving the installation of steel beams or columns, the Client’s Building Control Department will require engineering calculations. Planning Studio can recommend a suitable engineer but will not cover associated costs unless explicitly included in the quote.
Where structural calculations are provided, Planning Studio will subcontract a competent structural engineering company. This company will operate entirely remotely, relying on Planning Studio’s architectural drawings, survey notes, on-site measurements, and photographs to prepare the calculations.
Planning Studio will not cover the costs of any additional drawings or calculations required by Building Control for engineered foundations (raft, pile, sheet, or deep trench). If such drawings are necessary, an additional fee will be quoted.
Where a retaining wall exceeding 1 metre in height is required, it must be designed and calculated by a suitably qualified structural engineer. This is outside the scope of Planning Studio’s included services and will require separate instruction and payment by the Client.
If included, foundation design will be based on available information such as satellite imagery, online soil maps, tree proximity, and site photographs. Due to the remote nature of this assessment, the engineer will assume a worst-case scenario for clay content and soil reactivity.
If the Client obtains a soil test, results may be shared with the engineer to potentially revise the foundation design. Any redesigns following soil test results will incur an additional fee.
Structural calculations include one free hour of amendment work. Further amendments, including those due to builder preferences, will be chargeable. Clients are strongly advised to consult with their builder before calculations are prepared.
3. Drawing Amendments
Planning Studio offers unlimited amendments to the floor plan until the Client approves the plans in writing. Once approved, any subsequent changes, whether to the floor plan, elevations, or any other part of the drawings, will be charged at £150 incl. VAT per round.
Planning Studio recommends that all internal layouts and design details are finalised before approval to avoid unnecessary costs or delays.
4. Council Applications
Upon payment, the Client may request Planning Studio to submit a Planning or Building Control application. Planning Studio will endeavour to submit within five working days of receiving the request.
Application fees are payable directly to the council and are not included in Planning Studio’s charges. Any additional fees charged by Local Authorities or Building Control Approved Inspectors are payable by the Client.
Planning Studio will manage applications submitted on the Client’s behalf and provide updates until a decision is reached.
5. Local Builder Invitations
If included, Planning Studio may assist in sourcing builder quotes once building control drawings are complete. Our partners will invite selected local contractors to provide indicative prices based on the drawings. These are for guidance only and subject to confirmation after a site visit. The Client is responsible for carrying out due diligence on any chosen contractor.
6. Party Wall Act
The Client is responsible for serving any required Party Wall Notices to affected neighbours prior to construction. Planning Studio will not serve notices but can advise on the process. Any surveyor costs or dispute-related expenses are the Client’s responsibility.
7. Building Work On Site
Construction costs may increase once work begins. Planning Studio is not responsible for on-site cost changes or the performance of the appointed builder. The Client must hire a competent contractor.
8. Building Over/Near a Sewer
If building near or over a sewer, the local Water Authority may require permission. Planning Studio will not submit these applications or cover associated costs but will include relevant details on drawings where required.
9. Drainage
For Building Control drawings, Planning Studio will include the minimum drainage detail necessary for approval. Final drainage design is to be confirmed on-site by the Contractor and Building Control Officer.
10. CDM 2015 Regulations
Planning Studio provides design services for domestic clients only. Under the CDM 2015 regulations, Planning Studio is classed as a designer but not as the Principal Designer unless expressly agreed in writing.
If no Principal Designer is appointed, the Client becomes legally responsible for these duties and must either appoint a competent Principal Designer, appoint their builder (if competent and willing), or accept the role themselves.
Planning Studio does not provide construction-level detail, risk assessments, method statements, or Health and Safety Files unless expressly agreed.
11. Electrical Layouts
Electrical layouts are not required for Planning or Building Control approval. If requested, Planning Studio will require input from a qualified electrician and will quote for the additional drafting time.
12. SAP Calculations
For new builds or projects with significant glazing, SAP Calculations may be required. Planning Studio can recommend an assessor but will not cover the associated costs.
13. Additional Surveys/Reports
Planning or Building Control may request additional surveys such as wildlife or tree surveys. Planning Studio will not arrange or pay for these services.
14. Payments
Planning Studio requires full payment to be made online before work begins. Payments are processed securely using the Client’s chosen method.
By making payment, the Client accepts these terms. Payments are non-refundable once work has started. Additional services outside the agreed scope will be quoted separately, and payment in full will be required before commencement.
15. Planning Application Rejections
Planning Studio is not liable for any refusal or rejection of plans by the Local Authority. Some councils permit one amended or resubmitted application free of charge. Where this applies, Planning Studio will prepare and re-submit the application to meet the council’s criteria at no cost to the Client.
If, at this stage, the Client requests changes not required by the council, these will be treated as additional work and charged at Planning Studio’s standard rates.
16. Additional Detail Drawings and Information
If the Client requests additional detailed drawings or information not required for Planning or Building Control approval, Planning Studio will charge £60 + VAT per hour. This also applies to non-standard construction methods. Work will only proceed with written confirmation from the Client.
17. Below-Ground Structures
Planning Studio is not insured to provide design or engineering for below-ground structures, including basements, cellars, or subterranean extensions. These services are excluded from our offering.
18. Ongoing Technical Support and Post-Approval Services
After Planning and/or Building Control approval, further technical assistance such as meetings, clarifications, amendments, or re-submissions will be charged at £100 incl. VAT per hour, billed in 15-minute increments.
19. Build Cost Reporting
If included, Planning Studio may provide an approximate cost estimate prepared by a qualified construction scheduler. This is for budgeting purposes only and should not be treated as a formal Bill of Quantities.
20. Data Sharing with Trusted Partners
To deliver our services, Planning Studio may share the Client’s personal data with trusted third parties such as surveyors, engineers, builders, and financial advisors. These parties may contact the Client directly in connection with their role.
All data will be handled in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Clients may opt out in writing, though this may affect service delivery.
Cancellation and Refunds
The Client may cancel their order for a full refund if they change their mind, with no obligation, provided that if a site visit and measurement have already taken place, the Client will be refunded the total amount paid minus a travel cost deduction of £250 incl. VAT.
If work on the floor plan drawings has begun, no refund will be issued, and the Client will be liable to pay the full agreed project fee.