Yes - the visit to your property is for the purpose of obtaining your design brief, and to collect all the necessary information needed to draw your plans. This is an informal visit - feel free to ask any questions you have about your proposed work, our service, and the Council Approvals process.

How long will it take to prepare the draft plans?

We endeavour to prepare your draft plans within 10 working days of the survey however this may take longer during holiday periods or during times when we are experiencing increased workloads.

I have received the draft plans and have noticed a mistake and also need some changes made - what do I do?

Highlight any mistakes and mark any changes you require on a copy of the plan and e-mail or post them back to us for amendment.

How long will it take to submit the applications to the Council?

When we receive details of any mistakes or changes required to the draft plans we endeavour to prepare the Council submission plans within 10 working days, however this may take longer during holiday periods or during times when we are experiencing increased workloads. Before submitting your application we also need from you cheques to cover the Local Authority application fees, and the name and address of all neighbours who need to be notified.

What permissions will I need from the Council?

The two permissions which may generally be needed from the Council are Building Warrant Approval and Planning Permission. Our Surveyor will be able to confirm during the survey visit what permissions will be required.

How long will it take to respond to the Council plan assessment/report letter?

We endeavour to answer the Council plan assessment/report letter within 10 working days whenever possible however if an Engineers certificate is required we cannot prepare our reply until we have received a copy of the Engineers certificate, recommendations and details from you. Replies may take longer during holiday periods or during times when we are experiencing increased workloads.

How do I obtain an update on the progress of my applications?

Send us an e-mail requesting an update and we will reply by e-mail within 1 working day.

What guarantees do I have that I will receive approval from the Council?

It is impossible for anyone to guarantee you will obtain a Planning and/or Building Warrant Approval - the whole process does carry an element of risk. There are over 40,000 Planning applications submitted to the 32 Scottish Councils every year in Scotland and on average they grant approval for over 90% of them. Building Warrant Approval is rarely refused unless questions raised by the Building Standards Section remain unanswered for a period exceeding nine months from the date of the first report/plan assessment letter.

How long does the whole approvals process take before I can start construction work?

To avoid disappointment you should allow between 3 and 6 months between submitting you applications to the Council and receiving the formal approvals.

When do I have to pay?

Payment of our fee is made in 2 stages - a £150.00 non-returnable deposit paid prior to the survey with the balance due once the draft plans have been agreed/accepted by you. Local Authority fees have to be paid in full at the point where the applications are submitted. If you appoint a Structural Engineer you are responsible for payment directly with them.

How do I contact the Plan Studio?

The main means of communication is by e-mail, however should you wish to contact us by telephone you can leave a message on our voice mail service and we will call you back as soon as we can.

I have further questions to ask

We are happy to answer any further questions you may have by email. The Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government have also produced a number of guidance papers which can be viewed by clicking here