Meet Neil

Certified Business & Marketing Coach

About Me

Hi, I’m Neil Heyes, and I’ve been working in architectural design since 1997.

I'm a Chartered Surveyor and a proud Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) member. I also run Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors which I have ran for a number of years and we overlap with surveys and architectural design to provide a whole cycle service.

Over the past 25+ years, I’ve worked with several large organisations, producing architectural designs, drawings, and planning submissions across a wide variety of property types, from medical centres and schools to HMOs, industrial units, and retail developments.

In the last 15 years, I’ve focused more on residential and commercial design work under my own company. Today, I provide architectural plans and planning support for homeowners, landlords, property investors, and commercial property owners.

What’s the Difference Between an Architectural Designer and an Architect?

I’m often asked whether Plans4Extensions is an architectural practice. While we’re not a registered architectural firm, I offer architectural design services, which are a better fit for many residential and smaller commercial projects.

Here’s why:

Architects typically work on large-scale, complex developments and often charge higher fees due to the scale and scope of their services.
Architectural designers like myself offer a more affordable, practical and personalised approach for home extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, and small commercial works.

If your project is straightforward, such as a kitchen extension or loft conversion. it’s worth considering whether hiring a full architect is necessary, or if it’s more cost-effective to work with an experienced architectural designer like me.

Let’s Talk

If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, or need help navigating the design and planning process, I’d be happy to help.

Our Services

01. Extensions

At Plans4Extensions, we specialise in a wide variety of home extensions across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, and Greater London. Whether you're planning a loft conversion, a kitchen or sunroom extension, a new bedroom addition, or simply merging two smaller rooms into one spacious area, we’re here to help. No project is too big or too small and we offer customised extension plans designed to fit your vision and needs.

02 Loft Conversions

Loft conversions can be challenging, and not every home is suitable. However, with smart design and thoughtful use of space, even smaller lofts can be transformed effectively.

We provide comprehensive plans for all types of loft conversions and can offer honest advice on whether the project is worthwhile, taking into account both cost and potential disruption.

03. Commercial

Commercial properties are still subject to planning permission and building regulations approval. Commercial property can be defined as industrial units, retail units, shops, mixed use or an HMO. There are many types of commercial property and most are specific. at Plans4Extensions we can help.

04. Garden Rooms

What better way than to increase your living space by building an outbuilding, or sometimes called a Garden Room. We see all sorts of reasons to build one. From home gyms, office space, simply a chillout room for the kids on rainy days. at Plans4Extensions, we in helping for a Change of Use.

05. Alterations

In most cases, when considering alterations, such as removing a chimney breast or removing walls to make rooms larger you normally require Building Regulations approval under Document Part A. At Plans4Extensions, we specialise in providing plans for Building Control.

06. Change of Use

If you are looking to change the use of a property than this falls under the Town & Country Planning Act, under Change of Use. So for example; If you want to convert a house to a shop or a or a public house to HMO's then you will need to submit an application for Change of Use. Change of Use is a complex area and Plans4Extensions, are experienced in plans for a Change of Use.

What Makes Us Different?

Stress Free

Let us take the stress out of the planning process by designing a workable plan that is acceptable for planning approval and acceptable for you

Experience Helps

We have years of experience and can help every step of the way. If your builders have a question or amendments are needed for planning, we can help

Any Design Possible

Because we have helped a lot of people and businesses, we can design most designs to suit you and still obtain planning permission.

Always Available

We like to keep tabs on all projects we are involved with, no matter how large or small. So if you have a query or have a question, let us know.

Different Types of Plans Needed

Because one size doesn't fit all, we can provide plans for single and double rear and side extensions, garage conversions and garden rooms.

GET IN TOUCH

Our Guarantee

At Plans4Extensions, we’re committed to delivering plans that get results. We guarantee your plans will gain planning permission approval, provided you follow the expert advice we offer during your initial consultation. If for any reason they don’t pass the first time, we’ll revise your drawings free of charge.

You’ll receive your first draft drawings within 28 days of our initial survey, helping to keep your project moving forward on schedule.

Our plans are always produced with exceptional clarity and attention to detail. If your contractor needs clarification, we’re happy to consult directly to ensure everything is fully understood. From concept to completion, we guarantee your satisfaction at every stage.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

Testimonials

We have used plans4extensions twice and both times they have been excellent. We first used them for our Loft Conversion in 2018 and then in 2024 for our side and porch extensions. Fast and excellent quality. Passed planning first time no problems.

- Jenny D

Just had plans produced and very pleased. The quality is up there like an architect. We originally went to speak with an architect but they quoted us 10 times more for basically the same work and fancy designs and drawings. We only wanted a simple single rear extension.

Paul S

We have just finished our two storey extension and plans4extensions helped us all the way. Didn't need to wait long if we needed some advice. You don't really need architect unless you have a complex design or complex project. Just need some plans, use plans4extensions.

- William J