
How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?

Understanding the costs associated with securing planning permission is essential when planning a home extension. Beyond the basic planning permission fee, various additional charges might come into play. In this article, we will break down the costs that could impact your project.
Types of Planning Applications
There are two main types of residential planning applications: planning permission and permitted development.
Do I Need to Apply for Planning Permission or Permitted Development?
Permitted development allows for minor changes to your home without seeking planning approval from the council. This includes:
- Simple Rear Extensions: Small additions to the back of your house.
- Side Extensions: Minor extensions on the sides of your property.
- Loft Conversions: Transforming your attic space into usable rooms.
- Minor Alterations: Changes such as replacing windows or adding satellite dishes.
However, permitted development rights do not apply in conservation areas or for listed buildings. These areas are subject to stricter regulations to preserve their historic or architectural significance.
You don’t need to apply to carry out work that falls under permitted development; you can start building right away.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to apply for a lawful development certificate to prove that the work is covered by permitted development. This certificate provides legal assurance that your project meets the criteria for permitted development.
How to Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate
Applying for a lawful development certificate involves submitting an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online service. Here are the steps:
- Find Your Address: Locate your property within the application system.
- Select Lawful Development: Proposed Use: Choose this option to specify the nature of your project.
- Confirm Details: Provide all necessary information about the project.
In addition to the application form, you must submit drawings of the existing and proposed plans, as well as a site location plan. These documents help the planning authority assess whether your project qualifies as permitted development.
How Much Does a Lawful Development Certificate Cost?
The cost for a lawful development certificate application is £103. This fee covers the administration of your application and ensures that your project complies with permitted development rules. Securing this certificate can save you from future legal issues and add value to your property by confirming the legality of your alterations.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the lawful development certificate, several other costs may arise during the planning process:
- Architect Fees: Hiring an architect to create detailed plans can be an additional cost. Fees vary based on the complexity of the project.
- Building Regulations Approval: Separate from planning permission, building regulations ensure that your construction meets safety and energy efficiency standards. There are fees associated with obtaining this approval.
- Consultation Fees: Engaging with planning consultants or solicitors for advice can incur extra costs. They can help navigate complex regulations, especially in conservation areas or for listed buildings.
- Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): Some local authorities impose a levy on new developments to fund infrastructure projects. The cost varies by location and project size.
Planning Permission for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
For properties in conservation areas or listed buildings, planning permission is more complex. These areas have stricter regulations to maintain their historical and architectural integrity. You’ll need to provide more detailed plans and possibly undergo additional reviews.
Seeking Professional Help
Navigating the planning permission process can be challenging, especially for larger projects or properties with restrictions.
Professional services, such as planning consultants or architects, can provide valuable assistance. They ensure that your application meets all requirements and increase the chances of approval.
For more information, visit the Lawful Development Certificates page on the Planning Portal. If you prefer not to handle the application yourself, services like Yoop can apply for permitted development on your behalf, ensuring you don’t have to worry about the details.

In addition to your basic planning application fees, there are a number of other charges that you may need to be aware of when budgeting for planning permission for your extension.
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If your project is not covered by permitted development, then you’ll need to apply for planning permission.
What is planning permission?
Planning permission is the process by the council, which determines whether extensions on a terraced, semi detached or detached property are lawful. If you carry out work which isn’t covered by permitted development or planning permission, then the local authority would end up asking you to take the building or the extension down.
How do I apply for planning permission?
To apply for planning permission, you need to make an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online application service.
Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit:
- A site plan or location plan
- A full set of existing plans, elevations, potentially sections
- The set of proposed plans, elevations and potentially sections
How much does planning permission cost?
The application fee for planning permission is £206.
If your home is in a conservation area or a more complicated area, there might be a written document required as well, called a design and access statement. You can also put in a planning statement, but usually a householder application is fairly straightforward so that you just need good information on the drawings
For more information, go to Planning Permission – How to apply
(You don’t need to make the application yourself – Yoop can apply for planning permission on your behalf and chase the planning authority up until we get the OK so you don’t have to worry about it)
Inside this easy to read free guide, we will teach you the key things you need to know about planning permission.
Understanding the Planning Application Fee Structure
The planning application fee you pay depends on the type and scale of your project. In England (and assuming you’re not applying for a lawful development certificate), the government categorizes applications into bands with set fees:
- Householder Applications: These typically cover alterations or extensions to single dwellings. The fee for householder applications is currently £206.
- Applications for Multiple Dwellings: This category applies to projects involving two or more dwellings (extensions or new builds). Fees start at £407 and can increase depending on the number of dwellings.
- Other Applications: This includes applications for commercial properties, change of use projects, and larger-scale residential developments. Fees in this category are calculated based on a formula considering the size of the development.
Important Note: These are the base planning application fees set by the government. Some local authorities in England may add additional charges to cover their administrative costs. It’s always best to check with your local council’s planning department for the most up-to-date fee information.
Additional Fees for Planning permission
Some planning applications need extra information if there’s a unique situation such as flood risk assessments, an ecology report, maybe a bat survey if you’re backing onto a forest but that’s quite rare. It’s very case by case. The more urban location you are, the more straightforward it will be.
The Planning Permission Cost for making an application to supply this extra information (usually referred to ‘approval of conditions’) is £34 per application. So it’s best to gather all of your necessary reports/assessments and make just one application to cover all of the additional requirements at the same time.
Extra Information Costs
Surveys
- Measured survey – £500 to £1,500
- Structural survey – £500 to £1,000
Design Fees
(Pre-planning application sketches, detailed application drawings)
- Architect design fees – 3 – 7% of the build cost (e.g. a fee of £900 to £2,100 for a £30,000 extension)
- Planning and construction drawings – £2,700 to £4,000
(Planning Permission Cost will vary depending on the scale and complexity of the design. Additionally, if you’re employing an architect/architectural technician/building surveyor etc)
Reports
- Tree report (requires an arboriculturist) – from £300
- Ecological ‘Phase 1’ report (required if your project might impact protected species) – from £600
- Flood risk/drainage/archaeological/environmental assessment – from £350
(If problems are found, then this will add additional charges to rectify the issue) - Historic building report (if your home is a listed building) – £750 to £1,000 on average for a typical three-bedroom listed building
Keeping Costs Manageable: Tips for a Smooth Planning Process
While planning permission can involve costs, there are ways to keep them under control:
- Plan Carefully and Clearly: Having a clear and well-defined project proposal with detailed drawings can help avoid the need for revisions or additional information requests from the planning department, potentially saving time and money.
- Pre-application Enquiry Service: Many local authorities offer a pre-application enquiry service. This allows you to discuss your project with a planning officer and receive initial feedback before submitting a formal application. This can help identify any potential issues early on and avoid costly application rejections.
- Shop Around for Professional Services: Get quotes from several architects, architectural technologists, or planning consultants before making a decision. Be clear about your project scope and budget to ensure you receive quotes that align with your needs.
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If you have any questions about the Planning Permission Cost or process. Or would like to speak to an architect who can help you source and liaise with a local planner, go ahead and book a free call below with Yoop.
Navigating Planning Permission Costs with Confidence
Understanding the planning application fee structure and potential additional costs empowers you to make informed decisions as you embark on your home improvement project. Carefully planning your project, utilizing pre-application enquiry services, and seeking competitive quotes for professional services can all help you manage the costs associated with planning permission.
The specific fees and processes can vary depending on your location. Always check with your local planning authority for the most up-to-date information and consider seeking professional guidance for complex projects.
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