Alicante & Costa Blanca

In most cases, yes. Villa extensions in Alicante and across the Costa Blanca usually require a Licencia de Obra Mayor, particularly where the works:

• Increase the total floor area
• Alter the external appearance of the property
• Affect structural walls, roofs, or foundations
• Add additional storeys or significant covered terraces

Even relatively modest extensions can breach plot occupation limits or setback distances, which is why professionally prepared architectural drawings are essential before starting any work.

Yes. Almost all swimming pools require planning approval, even when located on private plots.

Architectural drawings are normally required to demonstrate:

• Pool dimensions and depth
• Minimum distances from plot boundaries
• Relationship to the main dwelling
• Drainage, overflow, and safety arrangements

Swimming pool regulations are strictly enforced in Alicante province, and unauthorised pools are one of the most common causes of enforcement action against expat homeowners.V

Yes. In fact, remote architectural services are now the preferred option for many expats.

MyHomePlans specialises in fully online architectural drawing services, allowing you to:

• Manage your project from the UK or abroad
• Communicate clearly in English
• Review drawings digitally
• Avoid unnecessary travel to Spain

This approach is particularly effective for overseas property owners managing projects from a distance.

Yes — provided the drawings are accurate, compliant, and coordinated correctly.

Spanish planning authorities focus on:

• Compliance with local planning regulations
• Technical clarity
• Accuracy of dimensions and layouts

They do not require drawings to be produced locally. MyHomePlans regularly prepares drawings that are accepted by Costa Blanca municipalities when submitted by a locally registered architect or técnico.

This is a very common situation on the Costa Blanca.

Properties on rustic land are subject to additional restrictions, including:

• Minimum plot size requirements
• Severe limits on extensions or new buildings
• Controls on ancillary structures such as pools and garages

Professional architectural drawings are essential to assess what is legally possible before any application or construction begins. In some cases, only limited alterations may be permitted.

In most cases, yes — but only for specific legal roles.

Typically:

• A local architect or técnico must submit and sign the planning application
• Structural calculations must be certified locally

However, the design, layout, and architectural drawings do not need to be produced locally. Many expats use MyHomePlans for the full design package and appoint a local professional only where legally required.

Yes. This is a core part of the MyHomePlans service.

We regularly:

• Coordinate drawings with local architects and técnicos
• Issue revisions based on municipal feedback
• Clarify design intent for builders and contractors

This collaborative approach reduces misunderstandings, delays, and costly on-site changes.

This is a common issue for expats purchasing existing properties.

In many cases, it may be possible to:

• Prepare as-built architectural drawings
• Apply for legalisation or regularisation of the works

However, this must be assessed carefully, as not all unauthorised works can be approved retrospectively. Accurate drawings are essential for this process.

Timescales vary by municipality, but typical approval periods are:

• Minor works: 2–6 weeks
• Major works: 1–3 months (sometimes longer)
• Incomplete or poor-quality drawings are one of the main causes of delay.