I contacted Chris at ELA design for advice on what we would be able to extend our house by and from the first phone call he’s was great and very knowledgeable. He was very responsive and got our initial plans back to us promptly, he also helped with layout, design and structural ideas, I would 100% recommend Chris and we will be using him again when we do our loft extension.
Public evidence profile
ELA Design
Planning history
260 public planning applications
Evidence summary
ELA Design provides architectural services in Broxbourne, including planning, design, and technical drawings. Clients describe the service as "fantastic in managing our building process" and note that Chris is "very knowledgeable" and "very responsive" throughout the project.
From public sources, July 2026
Trust Score
56out of 100
How this score is worked out
Rating5.0 / 5
Review volume167
Independent sources2 independent public sources
CredentialsNo credentials shown yet
How this score is made up
What customers say44.8 of 60
Independent checks7.2 of 30
Track record4.2 of 10
See the independent checks
- Licences and credentials0 of 10.3
- Ways to reach them2.9 of 3.4
- Reviewed on more than one site0 of 5.1
- Registered company details0 of 5.1
- Photos of their work4.3 of 4.3
- Industry recognition0 of 1.7
Verified planning history
Missing evidence lowers the score because we can't check it. It doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Claiming a profile never changes the score. Evidence context, not a guarantee of workmanship.
Planning history
ELA Design’s real planning history from public planning applications, showing where they’ve worked and how often schemes were approved. · Active 2008–2026
approval rate70%
planning applications260
approved schemes114
councils worked in19
What they work on
The kinds of project ELA Design has filed planning applications for.
- Loft conversion98
- Rear extension106
- Side extension38
- Two-storey extension26
- Extension190
- Basement3
- New dwelling1
- Change of use1
- Outbuilding / garden room8
- Garage conversion3
- Conservatory / orangery14
- Balcony / roof terrace14
- Porch13
- Boundary wall / fence / gates3
- Shopfront / commercial1
- Demolition18
- Windows & doors1
- Roof / fenestration79
Where they’ve worked
Each pin is a planning application, coloured by the council decision we found.
Council experience
- Barnet · 162 applications since 2008See planning experience in Barnet
- Enfield · 56 applications since 2015See planning experience in Enfield
- Brent · 7 applications since 2012See planning experience in Brent
- Harlow · 6 applications since 2024
- Hertsmere · 5 applications since 2026
- Greenwich · 4 applications since 2013See planning experience in Greenwich
- Dacorum · 3 applications since 2026
- Uttlesford · 3 applications since 2025
- Basildon · 2 applications since 2025
- Ealing · 2 applications since 2020See planning experience in Ealing
- Tower Hamlets · 2 applications since 2014See planning experience in Tower Hamlets
- Brentwood · 1 application since 2025
- Croydon · 1 application since 2015See planning experience in Croydon
- East Hertfordshire · 1 application since 2025
- Hackney · 1 application since 2015See planning experience in Hackney
- North Hertfordshire · 1 application since 2026
- Southend · 1 application since 2026
- Thurrock · 1 application since 2025
- West Suffolk · 1 application since 2025
Recent planning applications
- Approved31 Windmill Lane Bushey Heath Bushey Hertfordshire WD23 1NQConversion of loft to habitable space including rear dormer and 2x front roof lights. Certificate of lawful development (Proposed).
- Approved12 Shrubbery Gardens London N21 2QTExtension to roof at side to form gable end with rear dormer and front roof lights.
- Approved51 Wedgewood Drive Harlow Essex CM17 9PXErection of a side extension to accomodate Garage / Store
- Approved7 St Michaels Road, London, NW2 6XDCertificate of lawfulness for proposed demolition of existing side dormer and proposed hip to gable extension, rear dormer window with 3x front rooflights to the dwellinghouse.
- Approved118 Danescroft Drive Leigh-on-sea Essex SS9 4NHSingle storey rear extension with rooflight to replace existing conservatory (Lawful development certificate - proposed)
- Approved25 High Dane Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 0BDAlterations to roof including hip to gable roof extension, rear box dormer window with juliet balcony and two front rooflight to facilitate loft conversion.
- Pending32 Greyhound Hill London NW4 4JPRoof extension involving hip to gable, rear dormer windows, 3no. front facing rooflights following demolition of existing chimneys Loft conversion by replacing existing roof & replacing with up & over roof with 3 velux to front & dormer to rear
- No decision17 Cypress Avenue Enfield EN2 9BYFirst floor rear/side extension together with roof extension forming a crown roof and rear dormer.
Show all 60 planning applicationsShow fewer planning applications
- Approved73 The Hill Harlow Essex CM17 0BJErection of a single storey rear extension
- Pending18 Woodberry Way London N12 0HGSingle storey rear extension with roof lantern. New rear window on ground floor (amended description)
- Approved7 Mandeville Road Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 5LGConversion of loft to habitable space to include rear dormer and 2x front rooflights. Certificate of Lawful Development (Proposed).
- Approved7 Mandeville Road Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 5LGConstruction of single storey side and rear extension with 1x rooflight and 1x skylight.
- Approved30 Cambridge Drive Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 3EXConversion of loft to habitable space with associated hip to gable roof alterations, rear dormer, insertion of 2x front rooflights and side window at loft level. Certificate of Lawful Development (Proposed).
- Approved6 Newberries Avenue Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 7EWConversion of garage to habitable space to include replacement of garage door with window. Construction of part single, part two storey rear extension with 2x rooflights.
- Approved48 Ritcroft Street Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 8PFLoft conversion with rear dormer, three front rooflights, and removal of chimney.
- Approved19 Strachey Close Saffron Walden Essex CB10 2GNLoft conversion with rear dormer & 2 velux to front
- Approved87 Deaconsfield Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 9JALoft extension with rear dormer
- ApprovedPenshurst Wayfarers Park Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 3URVelux conversion with 9 velux to loft
- Approved8 Glebe End Elsenham Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 6ELLoft conversion with rear dormer & 3 no. velux to front
- Approved5 Princess Way Newmarket Suffolk CB8 0NXHouseholder planning application - single storey rear extension
- Approved13 Mill Road Henham Essex CM22 6ADS73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of UTT/25/1659/HHF (First floor front extension above existing garage) - change the material used on the new first floor extension to white render & timber cladding
- ApprovedLincoln House 2 Crescent Drive Shenfield Essex CM15 8DSConstruct first floor and single storey rear extensions
- Approved71 Town Lane Benington Hertfordshire SG2 7BTProvision of hardstanding and erection of outbuilding to rear of garden
- Approved15 Elizabeth Drive Wickford Essex SS12 0DWFront dormer
- No decision22 Potters Lane Barnet EN5 5BHSingle storey rear extension following demolition of the existing conservatory. Roof extension involving hip to gable, rear dormer window with juliette balcony and 3no. front facing rooflights. New front door to replace window
- No decision34 Gloucester Road Barnet EN5 1RZSingle storey rear orangery extension with 1no. rooflight. Front porch infill. Conversion of the existing garage into habitable room insertion of window and door to replace garage door. Roof extension involving hip to gable, rear dormer window, 2no. front facing rooflights and new side gable window
- No decision37 Whitehouse Way London N14 7LXNew front porch with pitched roof
- Approved65 Premier Avenue Grays Essex RM16 2SJFirst floor rear extension
- Approved44 Colin Gardens London NW9 6EJRoof extension with rear dormer window and 3no. front facing rooflights
- No decision40 Roedean Avenue Enfield EN3 5QLDetached rear outbuilding with pitched roof for use as a gym.
- Refused15 Elizabeth Drive Wickford Essex SS12 0DWFront box dormer
- No decision1 Hillside Crescent Enfield EN2 0HPSingle storey rear extension.
- Pending26 St Andrews Meadow Harlow Essex CM18 6BLConstruction of a rear dormer
- Pending26 St Andrews Meadow Harlow Essex CM18 6BLVelux conversion
- Refused32 Greyhound Hill London NW4 4JPSingle storey front extension. Part single, part two storey rear extension with lantern rooflight and first floor juliette balcony following demolition of conservatory. Alterations and extensions to roof including pitch roof over two storey flat roofed side extension, hip to gable to both sides, rear dormer window with 2no. juliette balconies and 3no. rooflights to front roofslope following removal of existing chimneys
- Pending220 Felmongers Harlow Essex CM20 3DPErection of a single rear extension
- RefusedLand West Of 292 Fold Croft Fold Croft Harlow EssexRetrospective planning consent for laying of a hard surface of 200mm of crushed concrete over laid with black road chippings to area of land west of 292 Fold Croft to level off the ground & improve drainage on site for the purposes of parking and use as an extended garden.
- Approved7 Gough Road Enfield EN1 3QLRear dormer and front roof lights.
- No decision35 Townsend Avenue London N14 7HHSingle rear extension,front entrance porch and conversion of existing garage into habitable room involving alterations to front elevation with new hipped roof over existing flat roof at first floor.
- Approved173 Churchbury Lane Enfield EN1 3HQExtension of roof to side to form gable, rear dormer, front roof lights and front porch.
- Approved35 Townsend Avenue London N14 7HHExtension to roof to side to form gable, rear dormer and front roof lights.
- Approved10 Waterfall Close London N14 7JRRear dormer with front rooflights, doors and juliette balcony together with rear outbuilding.
- No decision10 Waterfall Close London N14 7JRSingle storey rear extension and front entrance porch.
- Approved10 Shrubbery Gardens London N21 2QTExtension of roof at side to form gable end, rear dormer and rooflights to front.
- Refused32 Blenheim Gardens, London, NW2 4NSProposed demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey side infill and rear extension and raised patio to dwellinghouse
- Approved85 Arnos Grove London N14 7AGSingle storey rear extension 6m deep x 3m high (3m high to eaves)
- Refused10 Kipling Terrace Great Cambridge Road London N9 9UJFirst floor rear extension.
- Approved58 Cotswold Way Enfield EN2 7HJAlterations to roof to form gable end, rear dormer with Juliet balcony and roof lights to front.
- No decision58 Cotswold Way Enfield EN2 7HJFirst floor side extension and conversion of garage into habitable room.
- Refused78 Mandeville Road Enfield EN3 6SJExtension to roof at both sides to allow enlargement of loft space (RETROSPECTIVE).
- Approved22 Apple Grove Enfield EN1 3DDSingle storey rear extension 6m deep x 2.9m high (2.9m high to eaves).
- Approved17 Olive Road, London, NW2 6TYSingle storey side and rear wrap-around extension with 2x rooflights to dwellinghouse.
- No decision85A Normandy Avenue Barnet EN5 2HXRoof extension involving raising of the ridge height, rear dormer window and 3no front facing rooflights
- Approved26 Cambridge Avenue Greenford Middlesex UB6 0PJAlteration of roof from hip to gable end; rear roof extension and installation of two roof lights to front roof slope (Lawful Development Certificate for a Proposed Development)
- Approved26 Cambridge Avenue Greenford Middlesex UB6 0PJSingle storey rear extension (Max 6m deep and Max 3m high) (following demolition of single storey rear extension) (42 days Prior Notification Process)
- Approved14 Gloucester Road Enfield EN2 0HDRear dormer
- Refused35 Lansbury Avenue London N18 1DBTwo storey side extension and part single, part two storey rear extension.
- Refused29 Rays Road London N18 2NXConversion of single family dwelling house into 2 x 1 bed self-contained flats together with patio doors on first floor rear and Juliette balcony.
- Approved51 Percival Road Enfield EN1 1QSRear dormer with front rooflights and alterations to chimney stack.
- Approved56 Grenoble Gardens London N13 6JGAlterations to roof to form gable end with rear dormer and roof lights to front.
Repeat local work: hired again on 12 different streets, at least two separate homes on each.
4 of these applications were submitted after the work had started (retrospective consent).
Reviews · public evidence
What customers say
These reviews are published independently on the named public source below, not testimonials this business chose to show. We bring them together and link each one back to where it appeared, so you can open the source and read it yourself.
5.0out of 5
Where these reviews are published
- Checkatrade167 reviews · 5.0 avg
Detailed reviews
These are the individual reviews we hold for ELA Design, including the highlights above. The 167 headline total is the review volume reported across public review sources.
ELA Design have been fantastic in managing our building process. Excellent service from start to finish. Highly recommend Chris for his expertise.
This is the first time we had undertaken building work and was a little lost in the process, however, from the minute that I spoke to Chris he put us at ease with his knowledge and attention to detail. Nothing was never enough and he was always willing to go that extra mile to ensure we are happy. I would 100% recommend Chris and will of course be using him again for future projects.
Sources
2 named public sourcesWhere this information comes from
Everything on this page is drawn from named public sources. Where a source provides a public link, you can open the original and dig deeper.
Check dates vary by source. Where we hold a date, the check shows it.
Services they list
3D Architectural ModelsArchitectural DrawingsArchitectural TechnicianPlanning / DesignPlanning ConsultantsTechnical Drawing
Listed on public sources or the business's own website; check directly that they cover your job before you book.
Areas served
BroxbourneHertfordshire
The areas they list covering on a public directory; confirm they cover your address before you book.
Your own checks
What to check before you hire
Worth checking yourself
No credentials are shown here and the business has not claimed this profile. Ask to see certificates and insurance directly.
Verify at the sourceCheck them yourself
"Architect" is a title protected by law - only people on the official Architects Register (held by ARB) may use it. Confirm they're on it before you commission a design.
Check the Architects RegisterOnly someone on the Architects Registration Board (ARB) register may legally call themselves an 'architect' in the UK. Ask for their ARB number and check it free at arb.org.uk. An 'architectural designer' or 'technologist' is a different, unregistered role (often capable, but not the same protection).
Agree how they charge before any work starts (a percentage of the build cost, a fixed fee, or an hourly rate) and exactly which stages it covers (concept design, planning application, building-regulations drawings, work on site), so there are no surprises later.
Confirm what they will actually handle versus what is excluded (the planning application, the building-control drawings, and whether they will administer the builder's contract on site), and get it, and a portfolio of similar projects, in writing.
Want an extra legitimacy check? Run the Cowboy Checker on ELA Design before you contact them.
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Common questions about ELA Design
Is ELA Design a legitimate business?
ELA Design has 167 independent public reviews, rated 5 out of 5. This is independent public evidence gathered from named public sources (no ads, no paid placement), not a guarantee of workmanship. If anything here is out of date, the business can request a correction.
What do customers say about ELA Design?
ELA Design has 167 public reviews, averaging 5 out of 5. You can read the individual reviews and where each came from in the reviews section above.
How do I know ELA Design's reviews are genuine?
ELA Design's 167 public reviews come from a named public review source, and MyTrustedTraders links every one back to where it was published, so you can open the source and read them yourself rather than trusting a single curated page. MyTrustedTraders brings this public evidence together with no ads and no paid placement: we show where every review came from rather than selling rankings, so you can weigh the evidence for yourself.
Has ELA Design had planning applications approved?
Public council decisions show 114 approved applications for ELA Design across 19 councils, the most recent in 2026. That's a 70% approval rate across 164 decided applications, not a self-declared claim.
What does ELA Design specialise in?
ELA Design lists specialist services including 3D Architectural Models, Architectural Drawings, Architectural Technician, Planning / Design, Planning Consultants, Technical Drawing. If your job is one of these, look for it in their listed services or ask them to confirm for your project.