Understanding Planning Permission / Planning Application Fees in the UK

When embarking on a new construction or property modification in the UK, obtaining planning permission from the local council is a necessary step. This process involves a fee that helps cover the assessment of your proposal. The cost can differ based on your project's nature and the local council's pricing guidelines. It's crucial to consult your council's fee schedule for precise figures and any supplementary charges that might be relevant to your development.

Standard Fees for Planning Applications

The UK government sets benchmark fees for planning applications, which local councils follow. For instance, a typical application for house modifications stands at £206. In contrast, larger projects, like developing a new housing estate, carry a fee of £462 per 0.1 hectare, starting at a minimum of £9,240. Always verify these standard rates with the latest information provided by the government or your local council.

Additional Fees for Special Cases

In certain situations, you may encounter additional fees for your planning application:

• Conservation Area Consent: If your project is in a conservation area, there's a fee for evaluating the development's impact on the locality.
• Listed Building Consent: For modifications to buildings deemed historically significant, a separate fee is required.
• Advertisement Consent: Planning to display advertisements? This calls for an additional fee.
• Certificate of Lawfulness: To ascertain the legality of your proposed use or development, there's a fee for this certification.
• Pre-application Advice: Many councils offer a pre-submission consultation for a fee to gauge your application's potential success.
• Discharge of Conditions: If you're looking to remove conditions from a previous planning permission, a fee will apply.
  ‍

Council-Specific Fee Schedules

Remember, fee structures can vary from one council to another. It's essential to get in touch directly with your local council to confirm the exact fees for your application.

Getting Information on Planning Fees

Your local council is the go-to source for information about planning permission fees. They manage applications and set the corresponding charges. Contact them via phone, email, or in person, or visit their website for detailed information. You can easily find contact details by searching online for your local council's planning department.

‍