How Much Does a Planning Application Cost? A UK Guide

The cost of a planning application comes in two parts: the statutory fee paid to the council, and the professional fees you pay to people who prepare your application. Understanding both helps you budget realistically before you start.

The statutory application fee

Every planning application carries a fee set nationally in law (fees are prescribed by regulations that apply across England). The amount depends on what you're applying for. The main categories include:

• Householder applications — extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings and similar works to a single existing home. This is the most common and lowest fee band.
• Full applications for new dwellings — charged per dwelling, so larger schemes cost proportionally more.
• Non-residential development — usually calculated by floor area created.
• Change of use applications.
• Outline applications, where you seek approval in principle before detailed design.

Because these fees are set nationally, they are the same whichever council you apply to. However, the exact current figures are updated periodically, so check the official fee schedule on the Planning Portal or your council's website before you pay.

Note on Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: fee schedules differ. This guide focuses on the England fee regime.

Householder vs full applications

The distinction matters for cost:

• A householder application covers alterations or extensions to an existing dwelling within its curtilage. It's the simplest and cheapest route.
• A full (major or minor) application is needed for new homes, changes of use, or work that goes beyond householder scope. These attract higher fees and usually need more supporting documents.

If your project is borderline, a quick check with your council's planning team can save you from applying under the wrong (and more expensive) category.

Professional fees

The statutory fee is often the smaller part of your total spend. You may also pay for:

• Architectural drawings — existing and proposed plans, elevations and site plans.
• Planning consultants — to write a supporting statement or manage the application.
• Specialist reports — such as ecology, arboriculture, flood risk, or heritage assessments, where the site demands them.
• Structural or drainage input for more complex builds.

These fees are set by the individual professionals, not by law, so ranges vary widely by region, project complexity and firm. Get two or three quotes before committing.

When pre-application advice is worth it

Many councils offer a paid pre-application ("pre-app") service. It's worth considering when:

• Your scheme is unusual, large, or likely to be contentious.
• The site sits in a conservation area, green belt, or near a listed building.
• You want an officer's steer before spending heavily on detailed drawings.

For a modest, low-risk extension, pre-app may be unnecessary. For anything with real refusal risk, the fee can be money well spent. Pre-app charges are set locally and differ between boroughs — compare them on our boroughs pages and league tables.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal or planning advice. Fees and local procedures change, so always confirm the current position with your borough before applying.