At David Hickinson Architecture (DHA), we specialise in delivering architecture planning services that simplify the entire process.
Applying for planning permission can feel daunting, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with local planning policies or the application process. Professional planning and architectural design support helps ensure your proposals are well prepared, clearly presented and designed with planning requirements in mind, giving your project the best possible start.
Local Planning Knowledge
Every local authority has its own planning policies and priorities. With experience of residential projects across Hull and the surrounding area, we help you understand the planning process and prepare proposals that respond to local requirements.
Well-Prepared Applications
Accurate drawings and clear supporting information help planning officers fully understand your proposal, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary questions, delays or revisions.
Saving Time and Money
Careful planning at the beginning of a project can help avoid costly design changes later, making the entire process more efficient and helping your project stay on track.
Designs That Balance Creativity and Compliance
Great design isn’t just about creating attractive spaces. We develop practical solutions that balance your aspirations with planning policy and technical requirements, helping to create designs that are both achievable and buildable.
Our services cover a wide range of residential projects, ensuring you receive expert support no matter your plans.
Whether you need more living space or a better layout, we design extensions that integrate seamlessly with your existing home.
Transform underused areas into functional, stylish spaces that add value to your property.
We reimagine older homes to improve flow, light, and usability while respecting their character.
From concept to completion, we guide you through every stage of creating your dream home.
Every project benefits from careful planning, practical design and a thorough understanding of the planning process. We create proposals that balance your ideas with local planning policies, helping to ensure your project is both inspiring and achievable.
From your initial ideas through to planning approval, we follow a clear and structured process that keeps your project moving forward with confidence. By taking the time to understand your goals and preparing detailed, well-considered drawings, we help make the planning application process as straightforward as possible.
Our process typically includes:
Initial consultation and project brief
Site assessment and feasibility review
Concept design and layout development
Preparation of planning drawings
Submission of your planning application
Liaison with the local planning authority (where required)
Building Regulations drawings and technical design following approval
We start by understanding your vision, property, and goals. This helps us identify opportunities, constraints, and the best route forward from the very beginning.
Using our architecture planning services, we develop practical design concepts and determine the most suitable planning approach for your project.
We prepare accurate planning drawings and manage the full submission process, ensuring everything is clear, compliant, and professionally presented.
We liaise with planning officers, handle feedback, and refine designs where needed, guiding your application through to successful approval.
Planning your home improvement or new build doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. At David Hickinson Architecture, our expert architecture planning services are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and results. We help you navigate approvals, avoid delays, and bring your vision to life with precision. From initial ideas to detailed building regulations drawings, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Once planning permission is approved, the next essential stage is ensuring your project complies with building regulations. This is where detailed and accurate building regulations drawings play a crucial role. These drawings go beyond concept design, they provide the technical instructions needed to safely and efficiently construct your project.
Building regulations drawings include detailed information about load-bearing walls, foundations, beams, and other structural components. This ensures the building is stable, safe, and capable of supporting all intended loads. Proper structural detailing also reduces the risk of on-site issues and costly modifications during construction.
These drawings outline essential fire safety measures such as escape routes, fire-resistant materials, door placements, and compartmentation. The goal is to ensure occupants can evacuate safely in an emergency while minimising the spread of fire within the building. Compliance with fire regulations is a critical part of the approval process.
It also address insulation levels, ventilation, and energy performance requirements. This helps ensure the property meets current standards for energy efficiency, reducing heat loss and improving overall comfort. Proper detailing in this area contributes to lower energy bills and a more sustainable building.
Yes. We can review the reasons for refusal, assess the planning officer's feedback and, where appropriate, revise the design to address any concerns before submitting a new application. We'll also advise on the best way forward if an appeal is being considered.
Planning applications are assessed against a range of factors, including local planning policies, the scale and appearance of the proposal, its impact on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area. Well-prepared drawings and a carefully considered design can help the planning process run more smoothly, although approval can never be guaranteed.
Most extension, renovation and new build projects require Building Regulations approval, even when planning permission isn't needed. We prepare detailed Building Regulations drawings that help demonstrate compliance with current construction and safety standards.
Once planning permission has been granted (where required), the next stage is usually the preparation of detailed Building Regulations and technical construction drawings. These provide the information needed for builders and Building Control before work begins.
For most construction projects, Building Regulations approval is required before work begins. This helps ensure the project complies with current standards for structural safety, fire protection, insulation, ventilation and other key aspects of construction.
Our services are tailored to the needs of each project but can include: