BHD Limited — Building Consultancy, Architectural Design & Planning
BHD Limited is a building consultancy, architectural design and planning practice based in Wolverhampton and Telford, serving clients across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands. Founded by Nick Garvey MCIOB, a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, we specialise in building consultancy, house extensions, loft conversions, commercial architectural design, change of use applications, planning applications, and in-person home surveys. You can review our pricing, try the instant fee estimate calculator, or read our frequently asked questions below.
We prepare every drawing and application in line with the UK Planning Portal and current UK Government planning permission guidance.
Architectural Design & Planning Services
We offer a comprehensive range of architectural design and planning services for residential clients throughout Wolverhampton, Telford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands.
Architectural Design
Our design service covers everything from initial feasibility and concept through to full planning-ready CAD drawings. We design single-storey and two-storey rear extensions, side extensions, over-structure extensions, internal reconfigurations, and new garden rooms or outbuildings. Every project is drawn to scale by our qualified Architectural Technicians, with floor plans and elevations produced in CAD.
Planning Consultancy
Our planning consultancy service guides homeowners through the planning process. We provide pre-application advice, prepare and submit householder and full planning applications, produce Design and Access Statements, and advise on permitted development rights. We also assist clients in applying for Lawful Development Certificates (LDC), providing formal confirmation that proposed works are lawful without the need for full planning permission.
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are one of the most cost-effective ways to add space to your home. We design dormer loft conversions, hip-to-gable loft conversions, and Velux (rooflight) loft conversions, producing all the drawings required for both planning applications and building regulations approval. Whether your property is a terraced house, semi-detached, or detached, we can advise on the most suitable conversion type and produce the drawings you need.
House Extensions
We design single-storey and two-storey house extensions for residential properties across Wolverhampton, Telford, Shropshire, and Staffordshire. Many single-storey rear extensions fall within permitted development rights and do not require a planning application — though we always recommend obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate for legal protection. Larger extensions or those in sensitive locations will require a formal planning application, which we can prepare and submit on your behalf.
Commercial Architectural Design
BHD Limited provides commercial architectural design services across Wolverhampton, Telford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Walsall, and the wider West Midlands. We work with businesses, landlords and developers on office extensions, retail alterations, commercial new builds, and change of use applications. Whether you need drawings for a commercial planning application, a change of use from office to residential (Class O), or a full commercial development, we can help.
Change of Use Applications
A change of use application is required when a building or land is to be used for a purpose different from its current planning permission. Common examples include converting an office to residential use, changing a retail unit to a restaurant, or converting a house to an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). We prepare the architectural drawings and supporting documents required for change of use applications submitted to local planning authorities across the West Midlands and Shropshire.
In-Person Home Surveys
We visit your property and carry out a full measured survey on site. A member of our team visits you at a time that suits you, captures all the dimensions and details we need, and produces professional CAD drawings — floor plans and elevations — ready for your planning application. No measuring required from you.
Pricing
Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees or hourly charges.
- Planning Drawings Only: £30 per m² (existing property + proposed extension, minimum charge £899). Existing & proposed floor plans, elevations, planning-ready PDF & CAD.
- Planning + Building Regulations: from £60 per m² (minimum charge £899). Everything in planning drawings, plus building regulations and construction detail drawings.
- Full Package: from £120 per m² (minimum charge £899). Everything in planning + building regs, plus structural engineer coordination and a detailed specification.
All drawings are supplied in PDF and CAD format, suitable for submission with a planning application or Lawful Development Certificate application to your local authority.
Instant Fee Estimate Calculator
Use the instant fee estimate calculator on our website to get a rough idea of the cost of your planning permission drawings in seconds. Enter your property's width, length and number of floors, add the rough size of any proposed extension, and choose your specification level — planning drawings only, planning plus building regulations, or our full package — and the calculator shows an estimated design fee range. Rates start at £30 per m² for planning drawings only, from £60 per m² for planning plus building regulations, and from £120 per m² for the full package, with a minimum charge of £899. The figure is a rough, indicative estimate only and not a formal quote.
How to Measure Your Gross Internal Floor Area (GIFA)
We price our drawings using your property's Gross Internal Floor Area (GIFA) — the total floor space measured inside the external walls. To work it out:
- Measure one floor. Measure the width and the length of your property in metres and multiply them together to get the floor area of a single floor.
- Add your floors. Multiply by the number of floors — a two-storey house counts both the ground and first floor.
- Add the extension. Estimate the rough floor area of your proposed extension, multiply by the number of floors it will have, then add it on.
For example, a 6m × 9m two-storey house is 6 × 9 × 2 = 108 m². Adding a 20 m² single-storey rear extension gives a total GIFA of 128 m². A rough measurement is fine for an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Wolverhampton and Telford, serving clients across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands. Get in touch to confirm availability in your area.
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
It depends on the size and position of the extension. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development rights and do not require a planning application. However, two-storey extensions, side extensions near boundaries, and properties in conservation areas usually require planning permission. You can check the latest rules on the Planning Portal extensions guide, and we can advise on your specific situation.
What is a Lawful Development Certificate?
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a formal document issued by your local planning authority confirming that your proposed works are lawful and do not require planning permission. Even if your project falls within permitted development, an LDC provides legal protection and is valuable when selling your property. Professional architectural drawings are required to support an LDC application.
How long does it take to receive my drawings?
We typically deliver completed drawings within 5 to 10 working days from receipt of a complete survey submission and deposit payment.
Are amendments to drawings included?
Yes, one round of amendments is included with every project at no extra cost.
Can you help with loft conversions?
Yes — dormer, hip-to-gable, and Velux loft conversions, with all drawings required for planning applications and building regulations approval.
What qualifications does your team have?
BHD Limited is founded by Nick Garvey MCIOB, a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building. Our team includes qualified Architectural Technicians with experience in residential design and planning applications.
Planning & Design Blog
Our blog provides expert guidance on architectural design, planning applications, permitted development rights, and home improvements.
Get in touch to discuss your project. We offer free initial advice and can assess whether your proposal requires planning permission or falls within permitted development rights.
Email: info@bhd-limited.co.uk
Phone: 0333 4049333
Address: 4-5 Victoria Square, I11, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LD
Call us to book a survey or discuss your project.