Duke Design Services

29/10/2026

🏡 Could the “terracing effect” lead to a planning rejection?

When designing a two-storey side extension, it’s not just the appearance of your own home that matters. Planners also consider how the development could affect neighbouring properties and the wider streetscene.

📐 What is the terracing effect?

Imagine two detached houses with a clear gap between them. If both homeowners build two-storey side extensions close to their shared boundary, the gap could gradually disappear, making the properties look like one continuous row of buildings rather than separate homes.

⚠️ Why does this matter?

Planning guidance may recommend:
▪️ Setting the extension back from the front elevation.
▪️ Retaining a gap between the extension and the side boundary.
▪️ Maintaining visual separation between neighbouring properties, particularly at first-floor level.

If a proposed extension is considered to create an unacceptable terracing effect and conflicts with relevant planning guidance, it could be refused planning permission.

🏠 Every property is different.

The character of the street, the relationship between neighbouring houses and the design of the proposed extension all play a part in the planning decision. Understanding these considerations early can help avoid unnecessary redesigns and potential refusals.

At Duke Design Services, we consider these factors from the outset to help develop proposals that balance good design with planning requirements.

📩 Planning an extension? Get in touch to discuss your project.

20/10/2026

💡DON'T JUST ADD SPACE. MAKE YOUR HOME WORK BETTER💡

A good extension isn't simply a box added to the back of your house.

The design should consider:

✔️ How you use your home
✔️ Natural light
✔️ Garden access
✔️ Furniture layouts
✔️ Storage
✔️ Existing structure
✔️ The relationship between old and new

At Duke Design Services, we design extensions around **how you actually live**.

Have an idea for your home? Get in touch for a free consultation

📞 07450 607284
📧 [email protected]

17/10/2026

🏡 Planning a New Build or Extension? Get an Idea of the Costs Before You Commit!

One of the biggest challenges when planning a project is understanding how much it’s likely to cost.

At Duke Design Services, we can now arrange an early-stage Cost Plan from our planning drawings, giving you a clearer idea of the likely construction costs before committing to the next stage.

✅ Understand your budget early – Make informed decisions about design and specification before committing to the build.

✅ Get accurate builder quotes – Use the cost plan to help builders price your proposed works on a more consistent basis.

✅ Find the right builder – Approach suitable contractors with a clearer understanding of the project scope and anticipated costs.

✅ Avoid costly surprises – Identify potential budget issues early, when changes are easier to make.

✅ Plan ahead – Have greater confidence when appointing builders and subcontractors.

Our aim is to help you get the right design, at the right price, with greater confidence before construction begins.

📩 Have a project in mind? Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you plan your project and budget from the outset.

12/10/2026

🏡 🧱 HOW MUCH DOES A HOME EXTENSION REALLY COST BEFORE YOU EVEN LAY A BRICK? 🧱💷

When people think about building an extension, they often focus on the cost of the builder, bricks and materials, without consideration for the bigger picture of the project as a whole.

But there are several costs you need to budget for before construction even begins!

Here’s a typical breakdown of the costs you could face when planning a home extension or renovation 👇

📐 1. Architectural Design, Planning & Building Regulations
£1,800–£4,000+

Feasibility assessment, design work, architectural drawings, planning application preparation, planning statement preparation and detailed Building Regulations drawings and specifications.

🏛️ 2. Council Planning Application Fee
£600–£1,000+

The fee payable to the council for determining your planning application, where planning permission is required.

🧱 3. Structural Engineer
£500–£1,500+

Structural calculations and beam designs may be required for steelwork, large openings and other structural elements.

🌳 4. Surveys & Specialist Reports
£300–£1,500+

Depending on the site, you may need a topographical survey, drainage survey, tree survey or other specialist reports.

🏢 5. Building Control Fees
£1,000–£1,500+

Fees payable for checking the Building Regulations application and carrying out the necessary site inspections to get your build signed off as compliant

💰💰💰💰SO, WHAT COULD THAT ADD UP TO?

You could be looking at approximately £4,200–£9,500+ before the building work gets underway.

And that's before accounting for the actual construction, kitchen and bathrooms, flooring, decorating and landscaping!

💡 My advice? Plan the whole project, not just the build.

At Duke Design Services, we help homeowners turn their ideas into a practical, well-considered design, with planning and Building Regulations support to help them move towards construction with confidence.

Thinking about extending your home? Get in touch before you start spending money on the build.

📞 07450 607284
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dukedesign.org

⚠️ These figures are indicative budget allowances, not fixed quotations. Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the extension, the property, the location and the level of professional input required. Some services may be combined, and not every project will need every item.

Professional architectural design, planning drawings and technical design services across Greater Manchester, the North West, Lake District and North Wales.

10/10/2026

🏡 ANOTHER PROJECT TAKING SHAPE! 🏗️

Aerial shots show the progress on site, with the new extension starting to take shape as the walls go up. 👷‍♂️

At Duke Design Services, we provide architectural design services from the initial concept through to construction, helping clients turn their ideas into reality.

Whether you’re planning a home extension, conversion, renovation or a new build, we can help you take the next step.

📐 Thinking about a project of your own? Get in touch to discuss your ideas.

📞 07450 607284
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dukedesign.org

📩 Drop us a message to get your project started!

07/10/2026

🏡 Planning a Home Improvement Project? 🏡

When you’re extending, renovating or converting your home, finding the right people for every part of the project can feel like a job in itself.

That’s where we can help.

Through our professional network of trusted local businesses, we can put potential clients in touch with people who can help with:

🔨 Building & roofing
⚡ Electrical work
🧱 Plastering & rendering
🪟 Windows & doors
🍳 Kitchens & bathrooms
🪵 Flooring
🎨 Decorating
💡 Lighting & energy solutions
💰 Financial & mortgage advice
🏠 Estate agency & property advice
🛡️ Pest control
…and other specialist services your project may require.

You don't necessarily need to find everyone yourself.

Here at Duke Design Services, we can help coordinate the design and planning side of your project, and introduce you to the people that can turn it into reality.

One project.

One point of contact.

A network of people who can help you get it moving.

📩 Thinking about extending, renovating or converting your home? Get in touch with Duke Design Services.

04/10/2026

Have a project in mind? 🏡

Thinking about extending, renovating or improving your home?

Tell me a little about your project, your ideas and what you’re hoping to achieve, and let’s start the conversation.

👉 Start your enquiry:
duke-design-enquiry.netlify.app

📞 07450 607284
📧 [email protected]
🌐 dukedesign.org

All successful projects start with a meaningful conversation.

02/10/2026

🌳 🌳 🌳 Green Belt rules have changed 🌳 🌳 🌳

Could your land now be Grey Belt?

If you own land in the Green Belt, or you’ve previously been told that development is “unlikely to be possible” — it may be worth looking again.

Scan the QR code or click the link to send us a quick enquiry to see whether these new rules could mean your land is now able to be developed

👉 https://duke-design-greenbeltenquiry.netlify.app

30/09/2026

🏠 From initial survey to completed design, and all the steps in-between 🏠

When you see the finished design, it’s easy to overlook just how much work goes into getting there.

From the initial consultation and measured survey, through design development, planning, technical details, and coordination with other professionals — there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

Every line on the final drawing has a purpose.

This project is a great example of the journey from initial survey to completed design ready for planning submission — and why good planning and design can make such a difference to a successful project.

📐 A successful design starts long before the first brick is laid 📐

26/09/2026

🏠 It’s not “just a drawing”…

When you’re paying for architectural design services, it can sometimes look like you’re simply paying someone to produce a set of drawings.

But the drawing is only one part of the job.

Behind every successful extension, conversion or new build is a process that can include:

📐 Initial consultation
Understanding how you use your home, what you want to achieve and what’s realistically possible.

📏 Measured survey
Accurately measuring the existing property and recording the information needed to develop the design.

💡 Design & space planning
Working through layouts, proportions, circulation, room sizes, light, storage and how the new space connects to the existing property.

🏡 Planning considerations
Checking permitted development rights, planning policies, site constraints, neighbouring properties, overlooking, materials, scale and appearance.

✏️ Design development
Turning the initial idea into a workable proposal — often through several revisions and discussions.

📋 Planning application
Preparing the drawings, location plans, block plans, supporting information and completing the submission.

🏗️ Building Regulations
Developing the design into technical information that can actually be built from, including construction details, insulation, fire safety, ventilation, drainage and other requirements.

🔩 Structural coordination
Working alongside structural engineers where beams, foundations, roof structures or other structural elements are required.

📄 Specifications & construction information
Providing the information builders and Building Control need to understand what is being proposed.

💬 Liaising with others
Planning departments, Building Control, structural engineers, clients and contractors — keeping everything coordinated.

🔍 Problem solving
Because almost every project has something unexpected to deal with.

So when you see an architectural fee, you're not simply paying for lines on a piece of paper.

You're paying for experience, design, technical knowledge, coordination, problem solving and professional time — all working together to turn an idea into something that can actually be built.

At Duke Design Services, we take care of the process from the initial idea through to the technical design stage, helping make your project as straightforward as possible.

📩 Thinking about extending, converting or renovating your home? Get in touch for an initial chat.