Planning approved.
Now you need the right builder.
Getting planning permission is only the beginning. Planning drawings can't usually be built from, and most quotes at this stage are incomparable. We review your approval, identify what's missing, and deliver the project as your appointed principal contractor.
Free, no-obligation first conversation. We review your planning documents and tell you exactly what happens next.
What most clients discover
Planning approval is the start, not the finish
Planning drawings can't usually be built from
Architects produce drawings for planners, not builders. They typically lack structural details, drainage information, specification levels, and building regulations data. If you try to get prices from these drawings, every builder will price a different scope — and the cheapest will almost certainly be missing things.
Getting three quotes isn't the same as getting three comparable quotes
If the scope isn't defined, every quotation covers different things. The cheapest quote usually carries the most assumptions and the highest risk of extras. A fixed scope before pricing means you're comparing like-for-like, not just numbers.
The gap between approval and build-ready is often six months
Structural engineer, Building Regulations application, party wall notices, approved inspectors, procurement — these all take time. Starting this process the moment planning is granted protects your programme. We tell you what to commission and when.
Your planning permission has conditions you need to discharge
Most planning approvals come with pre-commencement conditions — materials to be approved, drainage strategies to be submitted, landscaping details to follow. Missing these can mean enforcement action. We flag every condition and track discharge.
How rcbGroup helps
From approved drawings to delivered project
Review your approved drawings
Planning drawings are rarely enough to build from. We read them alongside your decision notice and flag what structural details, Building Regulations information, party wall notices, and drainage details are needed before anyone can price accurately.
Identify what's missing
Most approved schemes still need structural engineering input, a Building Regulations application, and a detailed specification before the project can be properly scoped. We tell you exactly what is needed and in what order — saving weeks of confusion later.
Produce a fixed scope of works
Once the technical information is in place, we produce a detailed, itemised scope that defines exactly what is included, what assumptions apply, and how variations will be handled. No vague quotes with a long list of exclusions.
Deliver as your principal contractor
We take on the build as your appointed principal contractor — coordinating all trades, liaising with Building Control, managing the programme, and keeping written records of every variation and instruction.
What kind of project do you have?
We work with homeowners and developers who have approved planning for a wide range of projects. The pre-construction route depends on the project type — here's a quick guide.
Rear or side extension
What you typically need
- ✓Planning decision notice
- ✓Structural engineer for RSJs and foundations
- ✓Building Regulations application
- ✓Party wall agreement if needed
Loft conversion
What you typically need
- ✓Approved drawings and decision notice
- ✓Structural engineer for beams and floor
- ✓Building Regulations application
- ✓Party wall agreement (shared roofs)
Full refurbishment
What you typically need
- ✓Planning conditions discharged
- ✓Building Regulations for structural work
- ✓Asbestos survey if pre-2000 property
- ✓Scope of works with finish specification
Common questions once planning is approved
I have planning permission. How long before I can start on site?+
Do I need to appoint a structural engineer separately?+
My planning approval is about to expire. Can you help?+
What if my drawings need to change for practical reasons?+
Can you take on the project if I've already appointed another contractor who hasn't started?+
Independently reviewed
Read what clients say — in full, with our replies — on Checkatrade and Google.
Ready to move from approval to build?
Send us your planning approval and drawings. We'll review them, tell you exactly what's needed before the project can start, and give you an honest view on programme and budget.