Planning permission is an important consideration for many property development projects, from house extensions and conversions to new-build homes and changes of use. One of the first things property owners often want to know is how much a planning application will cost.
The total cost depends on the type and scale of the proposed development, the planning application required and whether professional services are needed. In addition to the application fee paid to the local planning authority, you may need to budget for architectural drawings, planning consultancy, surveys and other supporting information.
Planning Permission Costs In The UK
There is no single fee for planning permission. The cost of a planning application depends on the type of development and the application being submitted. For household projects in England, the planning application fee for a typical householder application is currently £548. This can apply to projects such as extensions, loft conversions and other alterations to an existing house where planning permission is required.
Other types of development have different fees. New-build residential developments, commercial projects and changes of use can have substantially different application costs depending on the scale and nature of the proposal. The planning application fee is paid to the local planning authority and is separate from professional fees.
Householder Planning Application Costs
A householder planning application is generally used for proposed works to an existing house.
Typical projects can include:
- Rear extensions
- Side extensions
- Loft conversions
- Garage conversions involving external alterations
- Porches
- Outbuildings
- Other alterations to a residential property
The current standard fee for a householder planning application in England is £548. However, this is only the application fee. The overall cost of obtaining planning permission can be higher once professional services and supporting documents are included.
Full Planning Application Costs
Full planning applications are generally used where detailed planning permission is required for a proposed development.
The application fee varies according to the type and scale of development. For residential developments, the fee can depend on the number of proposed dwellinghouses and whether the proposal involves new-build accommodation or other forms of development.
Commercial developments and changes of use can also have different fee structures.
Because the fee depends on the specific proposal, it is important to establish the correct application type before calculating the total cost.
Permitted Development And Planning Permission Costs
Not every property project requires a full planning application.
Some forms of development may fall within permitted development rights, meaning planning permission may not be required provided the relevant limitations and conditions are satisfied.
Examples can include certain:
- House extensions
- Loft conversions
- Garage conversions
- Outbuildings
- Porches
- Roof alterations
Although permitted development can avoid the cost of a full planning application, professional advice may still be worthwhile where there is uncertainty about whether the proposed work complies with the relevant rules.
A Lawful Development Certificate can also be used in certain circumstances to obtain formal confirmation that an existing or proposed development is lawful.
Planning Consultant Fees
Professional planning fees are separate from the planning application fee. A planning consultant may charge for services such as:
- Initial planning advice
- Planning appraisals
- Planning applications
- Planning statements
- Permitted development assessments
- Pre-application advice
- Planning conditions
- Planning appeals
- Change of use applications
The cost depends on the complexity of the project and the level of support required. A straightforward residential application may require less professional input than a large development or a project involving complicated planning considerations.
Architectural Costs For Planning Permission
Architectural drawings are often required to support a planning application. Depending on the project, drawings may include:
- Existing floor plans
- Proposed floor plans
- Existing elevations
- Proposed elevations
- Site plans
- Location plans
- Block plans
- Proposed site layouts
The cost of preparing these drawings depends on the size and complexity of the property and the amount of design work required. For more complex projects, additional technical information may also be needed.
Additional Surveys And Reports
Some planning applications require supporting surveys or specialist reports. Depending on the project and location, these could include:
- Flood risk assessments
- Ecological surveys
- Tree surveys
- Heritage assessments
- Transport assessments
- Highways information
- Noise assessments
- Environmental information
Not every application requires these documents. However, where they are necessary, they can add significantly to the overall project budget.
Pre-Application Planning Advice
Pre-application advice can be useful where a proposal is complex or where there is uncertainty about whether planning permission is likely to be supported. Some local planning authorities charge a fee for pre-application advice, while the amount varies depending on the authority and type of development.
Professional planning advice can also be obtained before submitting an application. This can help identify potential planning issues and establish whether changes to the proposal could improve its prospects.
Planning Application Fees And Professional Fees
It is important to distinguish between the planning application fee and the professional fee.
The application fee is paid to the local planning authority to process the planning application.
Professional fees are paid to the planning consultant, architect or other specialist involved in preparing and supporting the application.
For example, a homeowner applying for planning permission for an extension may need to budget for the application fee, architectural drawings and planning consultancy separately.
Factors That Affect Planning Permission Costs
Several factors can influence the total cost of obtaining planning permission.
Type Of Development
A simple householder application can cost considerably less than a major residential, commercial or mixed-use development.
Size And Scale
Larger developments generally require more detailed information and may involve higher application fees and professional costs.
Complexity Of The Proposal
Projects involving heritage, highways, ecology, changes of use or other specialist planning issues may require additional work.
Existing Planning Constraints
Listed buildings, conservation areas, Article 4 Directions and planning conditions can affect the type of application required and the amount of professional input needed.
Supporting Information
Where specialist surveys or reports are required, these will add to the overall project budget.
Common Planning Permission Cost Mistakes To Avoid
Planning costs can become difficult to manage when important expenses are left out of the initial budget. Common mistakes include:
- Budgeting only for the planning application fee
- Choosing the wrong application type
- Failing to allow for architectural drawings
- Ignoring the cost of specialist surveys
- Assuming every project qualifies for permitted development
- Starting design work without checking planning constraints
- Not allowing for professional planning advice
- Underestimating the cost of changes requested during the application process
Establishing the likely planning and professional costs at the beginning can make it easier to manage the overall project budget.
Planning Permission Costs For Extensions And Conversions
The cost of planning permission for an extension or conversion depends on whether the proposal requires a planning application.
Some extensions and conversions may fall within permitted development rights, while others may require full planning permission.
For example, a rear extension may be permitted development if it satisfies the relevant requirements, whereas a larger proposal or a property affected by planning restrictions may require an application.
The same principle applies to garage, loft and other types of conversions.
Planning Appraisal Before Making An Application
A planning appraisal can help establish the planning position before committing to a full application.
This can be particularly useful where you are unsure whether planning permission is required or whether a proposal is likely to comply with planning policies.
An appraisal can consider factors such as the property’s planning history, local planning policies, permitted development rights and potential constraints.
Identifying these issues early can help prevent unnecessary expenditure on a proposal that may need significant changes.
How Studio Charrette Can Support Your Planning Application
Studio Charrette provides professional planning and architectural support for homeowners, developers and property owners.
Our services can support clients with planning applications, planning appraisals, permitted development assessments, architectural design and other planning matters.
Professional support can help you understand the likely costs of your application, prepare the necessary information and ensure that the planning requirements are considered from the beginning.
Planning Your Application With Confidence
The cost of planning permission depends on the type and scale of development and the level of professional support required. For a typical householder application in England, the planning application fee is currently £548, but the overall cost can be higher once architectural drawings, planning consultancy, surveys and other supporting information are included.
Understanding these costs before starting your project can help you establish a realistic budget and avoid unexpected expenses during the planning process.
If you need advice on the planning requirements or likely costs for your proposed development, contact Studio Charrette for professional planning and architectural support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does planning permission cost in the UK?
There is no single cost for planning permission. A typical householder planning application in England currently costs £548, while fees for other types of development vary according to the proposal.
Is the planning application fee the only cost?
No. You may also need to budget for architectural drawings, planning consultancy, surveys, specialist reports and other supporting information.
How much does planning permission cost for an extension?
The planning application fee for a typical householder application in England is currently £548 where planning permission is required. Additional professional and supporting costs may apply.
Is planning permission free under permitted development?
You do not normally pay a full planning application fee when carrying out development under permitted development rights. However, you may choose to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, which has its own fee.
How much does a planning consultant cost?
Planning consultant fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the project and the level of service required. A simple planning appraisal will generally involve less work than full support for a complex planning application.
