Planning Services (RIBA Stage 3)
Planning: Design Development and Planning Applications
“A couple in Golders Green once told us: ‘We’re not trying to build a palace. We just want something calm and intelligent that the planners won’t throw back at us.’ They had a good instinct. Planning is where bold ideas meet bureaucracy — and it takes care, clarity, and strategy to succeed.”
What is Planning Design?
Planning is more than filling out forms. It’s a stage of refinement, negotiation, and anticipation. This is where your early design becomes something more solid: a coherent proposal ready for submission, that balances your ambitions with the expectations of your local planning authority.
At DOR Architects, we specialise in navigating the complex and often subjective world of London planning. We don’t just submit drawings. We craft applications that tell a compelling story.
What Our Planning Service Includes
This service covers RIBA Stage 3, building on the Concept Design stage to prepare and submit your planning application.
You’ll receive:
- Design development of the chosen concept in 3D BIM
- Planning-compliant drawings, elevations, and site plans
- Design and Access Statement tailored to your borough
- Full planning package submission and coordination
- Communication with planning officers (pre-app or live application)
- Guidance on local policies, conservation areas, and neighbour impact
Whether it’s Barnet, Camden, Brent or Westminster, we know how each borough thinks and where their red lines often sit.
Who This Service Is For
- Homeowners who need planning permission for extensions, lofts, or remodelling
- Developers preparing a full application for a new-build or conversion
- Cultural or leisure projects needing clear design narratives and community-sensitive design
How the Planning Stage Works: Step by Step
We manage the entire process from design refinement to formal submission.
Step 1: Design Refinement
We take your preferred concept from Stage 2 and develop it further — tightening dimensions, resolving materials, and stress-testing planning risks.
Step 2: Planning Compliance Review
We assess your scheme against relevant Local Plan policies, national guidance (NPPF), conservation status, and neighbour impact.
Step 3: Produce Planning Drawings
We generate the required set of plans, sections, elevations and contextual views — all coordinated in 3D to avoid clashes or inconsistency.
Step 4: Prepare the Design & Access Statement
We write a tailored, persuasive statement to explain the scheme’s design logic, context, and planning justification.
Step 5: Submit & Monitor Application
We submit the application to your local authority, manage all validation queries, and handle correspondence with the planning officer.
Why Planning Design Matters
Getting planning right is about strategy and storytelling:
- Local authorities respond better to clarity, context, and confidence
- Neighbours respond better to thoughtful design with clear rationale
- Your project moves faster and more smoothly when it’s proactively managed
Bad applications get refused. Worse ones never even get validated.
Why Choose DOR Architects?
Because we speak both fluent planning and fluent design. Our strengths:
- In-house planning expertise across Camden, Barnet, Brent, Westminster and more
- A track record of approvals on sensitive, heritage, and constrained sites
- Highly readable, visually rich Design & Access Statements
- Beautiful, intelligent designs with practical foundations
And because we do everything in 3D, our submissions are clearer and more convincing.
FAQs
Do I always need planning permission?
Not always. Some smaller works fall under Permitted Development. We’ll advise you at the outset.
How long does a planning application take?
Most councils aim to decide within 8 weeks, though this can vary depending on workload and complexity.
Can you help if we were refused planning before?
Yes. We can assess the refusal reasons and either revise your proposal or submit an appeal with a stronger case.
What if we want to make changes after submission?
Minor changes can sometimes be accepted; otherwise, a new or revised application may be needed.
Talk to Us About Planning
Planning doesn’t have to be painful. With DOR, it becomes a structured, proactive process — with beautiful design and careful policy alignment at its heart.
Let’s shape a planning proposal that works.
📍 Based in North & North West London | Deep Borough Knowledge | Fully 3D Design 📞 studio@dorarch.com | Call us
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Please consult a qualified architect or planning consultant for project-specific guidance.