Getting historic info from architects

[MauveMavis]

We are going through the EWS process for our block of flats.

The surveyor needs historic information/ plans. Our developer had disappeared so we have approached the architecture practice (who are very much still in business).

They are proposing a £500+VAT search fee and then additional fees on top for any information they provide (£4+VAT/ A0 sheet).

This seems a little steep to me as our surveyor says the maximum he has paid previously is £176.

Has anyone else done this? If so what were your charged?
Thoughts from those who work in the industry also welcome.

For context - architecture practice is large and based in central London.

This post probably makes me recognisable. I"m going to change my name once I've seen the responses.

Unfortunately the architect (and the developer) own the rights to their plans so they can charge whatever they like :(

Have you tried checking the Council's planning applications page online? A lot of central London Councils now show historic plans from decades ago. That's where I found my historic plans for my flat in Wandsworth.

Work in a very similar profession. £500 is the 'go-away' price.

Thanks @Treecreature! We suspected as much.

Alas @Charlottemh no plans on planning portal. We have looked.

Likely their archives are stores somewhere which is a total pain to access.

Most councils keep historic records, it might be cheaper to ask them.

We wanted the architectural drawings etc for the house we are buying, they weren't on the planning portal so I emailed building control/planning department at the local council directly and for £35 received a copy of the building control stamped drawings, specs, thermal analysis, soil sample results, planning permission, building warrant etc. all emailed out as an interested party

How far back are you talking? Pre-planning portal era will almost certainly be with your borough archives for the initial build, but probably not for later changes.

We've asked the council but been told that due to covid it could take months... I think the council will have the plans -they did both planning and building control for the development - but there seems to be no way to speed things up.