Architect or architectural technician?

[AngryFeet]

We are planning on doing a large single storey extension and loft conversion on the bungalow we have just bought. We had two people come around to give us ideas and quotes. The architect said he could do it for £3200 with no need for planning permission, the technician said he would charge £1500 but would need to get planning permission (not sure why?). The architect had one strong idea and the technician said he would come up with several options.

Not sure who to go with? Has anyone ever used a technician instead of an architect? DHs uncle works in a planning dept and said no need to use an architect in our situation.