Project Appraisals
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THE FOUNDATIONS FOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS
Understanding the potential of a site is one of the most valuable steps at the beginning of any Cornish building project. Our Project Appraisal service gives you clear, early insight into what’s achievable, turning possibilities into a considered strategy for creating spaces that connect people with their surroundings.
A project appraisal is a focused, early-stage review of your site and its potential. It looks carefully at planning policies, site context, constraints, and opportunities to provide a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Whether you’re exploring a new plot, a replacement dwelling, or extending your home, this process lays a clear foundation for confident decision-making and thoughtful design.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Our experienced team guides you through this early stage with clarity and care. We:
Review local and national planning policies relevant to your site
Assess practical considerations such as access, boundaries, utilities, and environmental designations (including AONB and conservation areas)
Identify development opportunities and potential pathways forward
Advise on next steps, including feasibility, pre-application, or planning submission routes
With deep knowledge of Cornwall’s planning landscape and a design-led approach, we help shape a clear, achievable vision for your project.
architectural SERVICES
Project Appraisals
Assesses planning policy, constraints, and opportunities to guide investment decisions.
Planning and Listed Building Applications
Manages sensitive, well-justified applications for smooth approval by local planning authorities.
Certificate of Lawfulness Applications
Prepares applications confirming developments meet all relevant legal requirements.
Feasibility Studies and Concept Assessments
Analyses planning, access, and budget to define site potential before any design work begins.
Discharge of Planning Conditions
Submits required documents to discharge conditions, ensuring smooth project progression.
Building Regulation Applications
Produces compliant drawings and specifications for timely Building Control approval.
Pre-application Advice and Submission
Prepares and submits enquiries to gain feedback, shaping and strengthening future proposals.
Prior Approval Applications
Confirms permitted development eligibility and secures necessary prior approval consents.
Construction Contract Administration
Oversees construction progress, quality, and changes to ensure delivery matches plans.
why project appraisals are important
A thorough appraisal saves time and money by revealing issues before they become problems on site. It supports better design by showing how to use light, views and orientation to advantage. It strengthens planning submissions by demonstrating that the proposal responds to policy and context with care. It improves cost control because risks are identified early and allowances can be made in the budget. It also allows sustainable thinking from day one, for example by identifying solar potential, prevailing winds for ventilation, water management opportunities and ways to protect or enhance local ecology.
why choose atlantek architects
We are a Cornwall based, design led practice with deep experience of coastal, AONB and listed contexts. Our work is empathetic and user focused, which means we listen first and shape advice around how you want to live. We are practical as well as creative, so you receive guidance that reads plainly and leads to confident decisions. Our local insight, careful reporting and friendly communication keep projects moving with fewer surprises and a stronger chance of approval.
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An appraisal gives your application a stronger foundation by showing how the proposal responds to policy, context and constraints. It reduces the chance of redesign later and improves dialogue with the planning officer.
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Most appraisals are completed within one to two weeks, depending on site complexity and the availability of background information.
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Yes. We can scope and coordinate surveys such as ecology, trees, ground investigation, flood risk or noise so that design and cost plans are based on reliable data.
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Yes absolutely. Early clarity on access, overlooking, daylight and policy can make a major difference to the success of an extension, especially in sensitive coastal or village settings.
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You receive a clear written report with photographs and mapped findings, a summary of opportunities and constraints, plus recommended next steps that can include feasibility sketches or a pre-application enquiry.
faq’s
We worked closely with Rob to design a house that would fit into the street scene whilst still also meeting all of our needs. Rob was very responsive and professional throughout and provided excellent advice at all stages of the design process, where we were very pleased with the end result. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rob to friends and family.
Mark
St. Mawes
testimonials
Rob’s creativity and professionalism coupled with his integrity and easy nature has made what could have been a stressful and challenging experience an absolute joy.
Would never use anyone else now.
Rosie
Newquay
Although ours has been a difficult build, with Rob’s direction our new home is all we could possibly wish for.
I would highly recommend Rob to anyone who is looking for an architect who is both professional and personable.
A big thank you Rob, keep up the good work
Julie
Plymouth
Thank you, Simon. We came to you with just a rough idea of what we wanted, and you not only fulfilled the brief but brought it to life beautifully. Your assistance, guidance, and knowledge have been brilliant throughout. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
Highly recommended.
Mr. & Mrs. Herman
Falmouth
contact us
Looking for an experienced architect in Cornwall?
We excel in designing for sensitive settings, from Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and coastal locations to listed buildings, creating projects that are both innovative and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Provide a few details about your project, and our team will get back to you shortly to discuss ideas, options, and next steps.