We are having a rear single storey extension, on an estate where all the houses are identical. Planning portal shows various local extensions -all in permitted development- and we've had 4 builders in to quote. No problem. (Apart from the one who put the fear of god in us about the current ceiling about to fall in......but luckily he could pop in in a few days to shore it up for £400 
)
Now, the plans. We're on a tight budget and seeking cost cutting along the way. We have builder-help for the second fit etc. I've researched PP with the local authority and because we're sticking within permitted development, it's all straightforward to apply.
"......Complete prior notification to notify a local planning authority of the intention to use the permitted development rights....
1. A homeowner wishing to build a larger single-storey rear extension must notify the local planning authority and provide:
a. a written description of the proposal which includes the length that the extension extends beyond the rear wall of the original house, the height at the eaves and the height at the highest point of the extension
b. a plan of the site, showing the proposed development
c. the addresses of any adjoining properties, including at the rear
d. a contact address for the developer (the householder) and an email address if the developer is happy to receive correspondence by email.
A plan drawn to an identified scale will assist the authority in assessing your development proposal. Plans can be bought from one of our accredited suppliers using our Buy-a-plan service (www.planningportal.gov.uk/buyaplan)"
So, I've prepped all this and about to send to council. I asked a recommended, experienced, Chartered Surveyor to draw up building specs (he knows our builder) and he's dismissed my work above. Sort of gave it a wave of his hand and said "Oh I'll do all that, you don't need to do anything at all". Didn't listen when I tried to tell him it was all done. I said that we were in a rush and could the whole process be speeded up somehow. He said No
Only he can't measure up for a few weeks and we need to get going asap otherwise we'll lose our builder slot. Council application won't go in for another full month. Then we have to wait out the Neighbour Notification scheme period. Up to 42 days.
So, our application is sitting there and we're sitting on the fence. DH thinks pay him the £1,800 to sort it ALL and wait for him and I want to send it all off, then employ someone else to do the building specs only. Which was my original request.
Have I missed something obvious, or am I crazy to do this bit myself?
Mumsnet Jury?................ Perhaps I should put this in AIBU?!
So not quite at the digging footings stage which will become either a Grave or Extension 
Thought this first bit would be simple! 