How Much Does Planning Permission Cost

How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?

When planning a home improvement or development project, one of the first questions homeowners ask is how much planning permission will cost. While planning fees are only one part of the overall budget, it is important to know what to expect so you can plan your finances properly. The cost depends on the type of application, the scale of the project and where in the UK the property is located.

Standard Costs in England

In England, the cost of a householder planning application, which covers projects such as extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings within the boundary of a single dwelling, is £258. This is the most common type of application made by homeowners. If you are applying for full planning permission for a new dwelling, the fee is significantly higher, at £578 per dwelling. For outline applications, where you are seeking permission in principle rather than approval of detailed plans, the cost is £578 for each 0.1 hectare of the site.

Applications for changes of use, for example converting a shop into a flat, also carry different fees depending on the nature of the change. Agricultural buildings, commercial premises and larger developments are assessed under separate fee structures.

Fees in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Planning fees differ slightly across the devolved administrations. In Scotland, a householder planning application costs £300, while in Wales the fee is £230. In Northern Ireland, the cost is £291 for a householder application. For larger developments, each administration has its own fee structure, which increases depending on the size of the site and the number of dwellings proposed.

Additional Costs Beyond the Application Fee

The planning application fee itself is only one element of the overall cost. You will also need professional drawings, which are usually prepared by an architect or architectural technician. For a simple extension, drawings might cost £1,000 to £2,000, while more complex designs may cost considerably more.

Other reports may also be required, such as flood risk assessments, heritage statements or ecological surveys, particularly if the property is in a sensitive area. These can add several hundred pounds to several thousand pounds to the overall cost of securing planning permission.

If planning permission is refused and you choose to appeal, there is no fee to submit the appeal, but there may be further professional costs if you appoint planning consultants or legal representation.

Building Regulations Costs

It is important to remember that planning permission is separate from building regulations approval. Even if planning permission is granted, you will need building control approval to ensure the work meets safety and construction standards. Building regulations applications carry their own fees, which are usually based on the size and type of work. For a small extension, fees might be £500 to £900, while larger projects can be more expensive.

Cost of Lawful Development Certificates

If your project falls under permitted development and does not technically need planning permission, you may still want to apply for a lawful development certificate for peace of mind. This provides written confirmation from the council that your work is lawful. The cost of a lawful development certificate for a householder project is the same as a householder planning application, currently £258 in England.

Summary

The cost of planning permission in the UK varies depending on the type of application and location. In England, a typical householder planning application costs £258, while in Scotland it is £300, in Wales £230 and in Northern Ireland £291. Additional costs for drawings, surveys and building regulations approval mean that the total expense is usually far higher than the application fee alone. Budgeting for these costs from the outset will help you plan your project realistically and avoid unexpected surprises.