CGI & 3D Visualisation for Planning Applications

Stunning twilight architectural visualisation of a proposed modern brick townhouse integrated into historic London street context by VisuArchitect

Verified View

Accurate Street Context Visualisation

Proven Approach

Visualisations That Get Approved

Planning visualisations that meet Local Planning Authority requirements and present your proposal in accurate street context, giving case officers and committees the clarity to assess it with confidence.

Policy Compliant

Verified scale bars, agreed viewpoints, and survey-matched camera positions, prepared to pass LPA validation on first submission.

Context Accurate

Your proposal composited into real site photography at true scale, so officers see it exactly as it will appear once built.

Deliverables Specification

Strategic Visual Assets for Planning Support

We produce photorealistic deliverables that translate technical architectural drawings into legible visual context. These assets are structured to reduce friction during Local Planning Authority (LPA) reviews and planning committee hearings.

Exterior CGIs

High-fidelity 3D renderings produced from agreed camera viewpoints to demonstrate massing, design language, and architectural quality. For a bird's-eye take on site context and massing, see our aerial view rendering and aerial CGI.

Illustrative Photomontages

Accurate placement of your proposed design into real site context photography, giving case officers an immediate street-scene comparison.

Technical Outputs

Renders delivered in 4K resolution (JPG/PNG formats) alongside print-ready A3 or A1 architectural sheet layouts featuring verified linear scale bars.

Boundary Annotation

Optional annotations highlighting neighboring boundaries, key dimensions, and proposed external materials to support Design & Access Statements.

Scope Boundary

Services we do not provide

Measured architectural drawings

Site land surveys (must supply own)

Planning representation / forms

Council submissions

Officer liaison / negotiations

What Qualifies for the £250 Rate

Supply a clean, camera-ready 3D model (RVT/SKP/IFC) and every CGI drops to just £250 per image, our lowest rate.

Cost-effective CGI from client-supplied 3D model, twilight view of zinc house extension by VisuArchitect

Best Value

SCENARIO A // MODEL IMPORT

Client 3D Model Import

Provide a clean, camera-ready 3D model (RVT/SKP/IFC) that meets our specifications and you lock in our lowest rate per image. We import your model and render straight from it, with no rebuild required.

View Step-by-Step Workflow & Requirements

1. Inputs: Supply your clean, camera-ready 3D model (RVT, SKP, or IFC) alongside background context photos.

2. Model Import & Setup: We import your 3D model into our rendering engine and verify that all geometry is clean.

3. Texturing & Lighting: Our specialists assign materials and set up photorealistic golden-hour or twilight lighting.

4. Final Render: We composite the rendered structure into your background photos and deliver first drafts in 72 hours.

*Note: 3D models must satisfy our scale, orientation, and polygon-count specifications to qualify for the flat £250 rate.

Client 3D Model Rate

£250 / image

Assumes camera-ready 3D model (Scenario A)

Full-service bespoke planning CGI drafted from 2D architectural drawings by VisuArchitect

Full-Service CGI

SCENARIO B // BESPOKE CGI

CGI from 2D Drawings

No 3D model? Supply your 2D plans, elevations, and high-res site photos, and we build the proposed 3D model from scratch and composite it into your real site photograph. *Volume pricing applies on 2+ views.*

View Step-by-Step Workflow & Requirements

1. Inputs: Provide 2D plans, elevations, site layout, and high-res site photos from your desired viewpoint angles.

2. 3D Construction: Our drafting team builds a precise 3D model of your proposed building from scratch.

3. Camera-Matching: We line up the virtual 3D camera with the perspective of your background context photos.

4. Composite Rendering: We render the proposed structure, composite it into your photo context, and deliver 72h drafts.

*Note: If no context photographs are supplied and a full 3D surrounding environment must be modeled, a Scenario C Environment fee starts at £800.

Full-Service Draft Rate

From £395 / image

1 View: £650 | 2 Views: £895 (client photos)

1:1 metric scale modeling process, clay-to-render split showing topological precision by VisuArchitect

01

1:1 Metric Scale & Clean Solids

Geometry modeled to exact real-world dimensions with clean topological meshes (smooth 3D surfaces free of overlapping or open faces).

02

Structured Material Layers

Objects logically grouped by distinct elements with unique material IDs (pre-grouped shaders mapping brick, glass, or zinc surfaces).

03

Camera Viewpoint Data

Survey-grade camera positions with tripod height, lens focal length, and compass bearing, so your proposal locks to the real site photograph at verified-view accuracy.

Mesh Optimization Notice: Extensive topology reconstruction, polygon cleanup, or scene re-modeling from low-fidelity models will require transition to our standard bespoke rates.

Interoperability & LPA Submission Standards

Integrating architectural designs directly into the UK regulatory system, ensuring data integrity from drafting board to local planning decision.

Supported Inputs & CAD Pipelines

SOURCE MODEL IMPORT STAGE

Send us your native architectural model and we import it without translation loss, preserving the exact 1:1 scale your Visual Impact Assessment depends on. That precision is what makes your visuals legally defensible and gives officers no grounds to dispute them.

NATIVE PIPELINE IMPORT ENGINE

RVT (Revit BIM) DWG (AutoCAD Vector) SKP (SketchUp) IFC (OpenBIM) PLN (Archicad) 3DS / FBX (Exchange)

LPA Validation & Submission Compliance

COMPLIANCE & OUTPUT PHASE

UK Planning Portal Optimized Compressed multi-page PDF sets ready for direct, error-free upload onto the central Planning Portal database.
LPA-Compliant Scale Layouts (A3/A1) Drafted layout sheets complete with absolute visual scale bars, verified North points, and projection matrices.
Committee-Ready Visualisations (4K/8K) Photorealistic verified CGI renders prepared to withstand rigorous public consultation hearings and council reviews.
Design & Access (DAS) Technical Appendices Topographic metadata tables, camera sensor parameters, and daylight ratio reports formatted for seamless DAS inclusion.

Visualisations for All Planning Types

Photorealistic CGIs and verified photomontages built to win planning approval, across every UK application type

Householder Applications

Small home improvements & extensions - show impact on neighbors.

Win approval faster with council-ready visuals that resolve neighbour concerns before they reach the planner.

Full Planning Permission

Complete developments - demonstrate design & street context.

Give case officers and committees the photorealistic proof they need to approve your scheme.

Listed Building Consent

Heritage property changes - sensitive visualisation of alterations.

Demonstrate heritage sensitivity that satisfies conservation officers and protects your approval.

Conservation Area Applications

Developments in protected areas - context-aware street scenes.

Prove your design respects the protected streetscape and clear conservation scrutiny first time.

Outline Planning

Early-stage proposals - massing studies & site layout visuals.

Secure outline consent with massing studies that establish principle and scale at a glance.

Prior Approval

Permitted development - quick turnaround compliance visuals.

Fast, compliance-ready visuals that move your prior approval through without delay.

Lawful Development Certificates

Existing use documentation - accurate as-built visualisation.

Evidence existing use with accurate as-built CGIs that stand up to LPA assessment.

Appeal Documentation

Planning appeals - compelling visuals to support your case.

Strengthen your appeal with verified visuals that persuade the Planning Inspectorate.

Process & Timings

From brief to final images in days, not weeks, with a predictable workflow that keeps your planning submission on schedule.

3D architectural visualisation process split-frame showing wireframe and finished brick townhouse rendering by VisuArchitect

72h Preview

Streamlined Delivery Process

1

Brief & files

day 0

2

Preview CGI

72h

3

One round of minor refinements

1-2 days

4

Final images (JPG/PNG + optional PDFs)

3-10 days total

Service Rates

Pricing Guide

Transparent rates for standard UK planning visualisations and BRE compliance studies, so you can budget your submission up front with no surprises.

CGIs & Planning

Planning Application CGI (per image) from £395*
Full 3D CGI Environment (no photos) £250 + from £800 setup**
Photomontage (non-verified, per view) from £395*
Exterior CGI (client clean 3D model) from £250
Additional angle (same model) from £150
Rush delivery +40%

Verified Views & BRE Studies

Verified photomontage (survey-based) custom quote
Overshadowing study (BRE 209) from £650
Daylight & Sunlight (full BRE report) from £1,200
BRE + mitigation visuals custom quote

*

Wholesale Tier: Starting rate of £395/image applies to batches of 3 or more views (£650 for 1 view, £895 for 2 views). Waived if you supply a clean 3D model (Scenario A). Setup covers 1 camera viewpoint and assumes client-supplied background context photographs. Verified views require client-supplied survey data.

**

3D Surround Model: Full CGI Environment setup fee (from £800) applies when no site context photographs are supplied and neighboring structures or landscapes must be fully modeled in 3D.

All timelines: 3-10 days • 72h preview applies only when a clean 3D model is supplied upfront • Custom quotes depend on project scope and data quality

Get an instant estimate

Used Across England

50+

LPAs (see portfolio)

72h

First previews typical

Scope-dependent

Timing varies by complexity

Photomontage (Illustrative)

Illustrative dusk aerial photomontage of the proposed modern office development integrated into the city context by VisuArchitect

Illustrative View

Site Context Integration

Simple photomontage of your proposal into site photography for planning context.

What you get:

• Proposal composited into your site photo
• Basic perspective matching (non-survey verified)
• 4K output + optional A3/A1 PDF
• 72h preview turnaround

Verified Photomontage (survey-based) - optional

Survey-controlled alignment to supplied control points and capture spec. Provided only when you supply the required data below.

Required inputs

• Topographic survey with control points (X,Y,Z) + coordinate system (DWG/DXF + CSV)
• Camera data per viewpoint: GPS, bearing, tripod height, date/time, focal length, camera/lens
• RAW photos (no auto-HDR) + lens distortion/crop details
• Viewpoint map (from LPA/consultant) and officer notes

Deliverables: survey-matched photomontage (hi-res + A3/A1 PDF), alignment summary (control points & RMS/px error), metadata sheet.

Price: custom quote after file review.

Daylight & Sunlight Studies (BRE 209)

BRE 209 daylight and sunlight study, daytime shadow analysis on a townhouse brick facade by VisuArchitect

Day

Night

Technical Analysis

Daylight Assessment Report

BRE 209 daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing assessments that answer neighbour and officer objections before they stall your application. We coordinate with your architect or planning consultant.

What you get

Daylight: VSC & NSL to neighbouring rooms with pass/fail highlights
Sunlight: APSH / WPSH for main rooms
Amenity overshadowing: 2-hour sun test to gardens/courtyards (21 March)
Report (PDF): method, assumptions, results tables, diagrams and conclusions
Optional mitigation visuals (before/after CGIs)

What we need

Existing & proposed drawings/models (DWG/RVT/SKP/IFC) with true north
Window schedule + room uses (habitable / non-habitable)
Site survey / levels and any known neighbouring massing
Areas to test for overshadowing (red line / polygons)

Typical timeline: 5-10 working days • Pricing: from £650 (overshadowing) / from £1,200 (full report)

We follow BRE 209 guidance. We are not the planning agent; submission remains with your architect or consultant.

FAQ

Is this enough for my planning application?

Not on its own. Your architect or consultant will provide technical drawings and handle the submission. We supply the visual assets to support the application.

Are your photomontages verified views?

We offer both illustrative photomontages (non-verified, budget-friendly) and fully verified survey-based photomontages (AVR Types 1-4) when you supply the necessary topographic survey and camera capture data.

Do you submit to the council or liaise with officers?

No. We focus purely on producing the high-fidelity visualisations, BRE shadow reports, and photomontages. Submissions remain with your architect or planning consultant.

What files do I receive?

High-resolution 4K JPG and PNG images, along with optional print-ready A3 or A1 PDF exports.

What qualifies for the £250 rate?

A clean, camera-ready 3D model (RVT, SKP, or IFC) with correct geometry, scale, and roughly assigned exterior materials (see criteria above).

Planning questions, answered

Researching before you brief us? These guides cover the common planning questions.

What is CGI in planning? Are architectural drawings needed for planning permission? Architectural visualisation fees for planning Is 3D imaging expensive? How much does an architect cost for planning permission? All planning visualisation questions

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3D Visualisation & CGI for Planning ApplicationsVerified views, photomontages & LPA-ready visuals