What types of application do we prepare?

We prepare and manage the full range of planning submissions: pre-application proposals, outline and full applications, change of use, prior approval and the discharge of conditions after consent. Each application is built around what the authority needs to say yes: clear drawings, a sound planning case and complete supporting information.

Where Planning & Approvals sits in the RIBA process

0. Strategic Definition

1. Preparation & Briefing

2. Concept Design

7. Use

3. Spatial Coordination

6. Handover

5. Manufacturing & Construction

4. Technical Design

3. Spatial Coordination

Design moves from ideas to a coordinated layout. Architecture, structure and building services are aligned so rooms, risers, fire strategy and servicing all work together. The result is a frozen arrangement with updated cost and risks understood. Planning applications are typically prepared and submitted at the end of this stage.

Look at the whole process

What happens after submission?

Management continues after submission. We track validation, respond to officer queries, coordinate consultee responses and push the application through determination, keeping you informed at each stage rather than leaving the process to drift.

Pre-application and outline applications

We prepare pre-application proposals and outline applications that engage authorities early and define principles for development.

Full applications and change of use

We prepare and submit full planning applications and change of use submissions to take projects through to consent.

Prior approval and condition discharge

We handle prior approval submissions and the discharge of planning conditions to keep projects progressing post-consent.

What makes a planning application strong?

A strong application answers the authority's questions before they are asked: drawings that are clear and consistent, a planning case rooted in the development plan and supporting information matched to the validation checklist. Applications assembled this way validate cleanly and give officers a straightforward case to recommend for approval.

A project we have worked on

Kennet School (BREEAM)

Thatcham

Education
Replacement / Redevelopment
Secondary school

Single‑storey replacement block providing six classrooms, designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. AEC led early design coordination with the assessor, progressed to Building Regulations drawings and oversaw construction.

View project

FAQs

What is the difference between outline and full applications?

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An outline application establishes the principle of development with detail reserved for later, while a full application seeks consent for the complete scheme. Outline suits larger or phased sites; full suits defined projects.

How long does a planning application take?

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Statutory determination targets are eight weeks for minor applications and thirteen weeks for major ones, though extensions of time are common. Preparation time before submission depends on the supporting information required.

What is prior approval?

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A lighter-touch process that applies to certain permitted development rights, where the authority checks specific matters such as transport or flooding rather than the whole scheme. It has strict timescales and information requirements.

What does discharging planning conditions involve?

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Most consents carry conditions requiring details to be approved before work starts or occupation begins. We prepare and submit those details and track them through to formal discharge so conditions do not stall the programme.

What happens if the application is refused?

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We review the reasons for refusal and advise on the best response: amendment and resubmission, negotiation or appeal. Many refusals can be overcome once the specific objections are addressed.

Which authorities do you work with?

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Local planning authorities across Essex, London and the surrounding counties. Familiarity with local policy and practice feeds directly into how each application is prepared.

What our clients say

From schools to homeowners, we work closely with every client to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture here’s what they’ve said about working with us.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

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Got a project in mind?
Let’s bring it to life

We’re always up for a new challenge. Whether it’s a home, a school, or something completely unique.

Why do Construction Support with AEC architecture?

Continuity from design to delivery

We maintain involvement from earlier stages or provide targeted support during construction, ensuring design intent is carried through on site.

Clear coordination and problem solving

We support contractor coordination, respond to site queries and provide ongoing technical input to keep projects on programme and aligned with design objectives.

Flexible and scalable involvement

Our services can be adapted to suit project requirements, whether providing full support or working alongside existing teams.

FAQs

What does construction support involve?

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It covers the practical input a project needs once work starts on site, including responding to contractor queries, reviewing information, coordinating across the team and providing ongoing design advice so the approved design is delivered as intended.

Can you join a project that is already on site?

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Yes. We can provide targeted support at construction stage even if we were not involved earlier, working alongside your existing contractor and consultants within the structures already in place.

How is construction support scoped and priced?

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Involvement is scaled to the project, from answering occasional technical queries through to regular site support. We agree the level of service and fee basis with you at the outset so costs stay predictable.

What our clients say

From schools to homeowners, we work closely with every client to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture here’s what they’ve said about working with us.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Got a project in mind?
Let’s bring it to life

We’re always up for a new challenge. Whether it’s a home, a school, or something completely unique.