How Much Does a Householder Planning Application Cost?

How much does a Householder Planning Application Cost?

Cost is always at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to planning work to their house. Budgeting carefully is a key part of any alterations that you are planning, so we’ve created this blog on how much a Householder Planning Application costs. 

The most common route for planning applications is a Householder Planning Application. This is the planning route for changes such as extensions, conservatories, loft conversions, dormer windows, garages, car ports or outbuildings, porches, walls, fences, or improving vehicle access including footway crossovers.

If you are considering one of the alterations set out above, then the route you would use is a Householder Planning Application. 

How Much Does a Householder Planning Application Cost?

The answer to the question, ‘How much does a Householder Planning Application cost?’ has a simple answer and a complicated answer. 

The simple answer is a Householder Planning Application currently costs £206 (November 2020). This is the fee that you will have to enclose with your competed application to have it processed. If you are filing online through the government’s Planning Portal then there is an additional service charge of £20.83 (+ VAT). There may also be a small additional fee for confirming any documents that are submitted. 

Other Costs 

That sounds pretty reasonable, doesn’t it? Well, yes, but the more complicated answer is that the cost of gaining planning permission is usually more than just the fee for the submission. There is a range of other associated costs that submitting a householder planning application is likely to incur. This might include things such as architects, planning consultants or even tree surveyors. All of these need to be factored into your budget.

Firstly, it is important to always get clarity on professional charges at the start. Some practitioners will charge VAT and others may add expenses that increase their quoted rates. Always make sure you understand all charges fully at the start of any agreement with them. 

Secondly, remember that the costs of professional services will vary enormously, depending on who you contract with and the complexity of the work that you are undertaking. You need to find skills appropriate to the project you are undertaking – for instance, if you are building a new garage, you won’t need a world famous architect, but you will need to find someone able to provide the sorts of accurate drawings and plans that the planning authority will expect. 

Most Planning Authorities will also levy a charge for pre planning application advice. This is a relatively informal meeting with a planning officer prior to submission. It is a useful way to understand the rules you need to follow, to discuss your plans and to ensure that you submit a valid application. The costs vary according to Local Authority area, but typically range between £100-£200. Some councils offer a free service though, so it is worth checking rates where you are. 

The biggest slice of your budget will probably go on design fees to produce the necessary sketches and detailed householder planning application drawings. Whilst some people are skilled enough to produce these themselves, most people have to draw on professional help. The cost of designs is often calculated as a percentage of the over-all build cost, and can vary enormously depending on what you need, and who you contract with. It is always worth getting a number of quotes. 

It is also always worth considering appointing a reputable planning consultant to help steer you through the process. Always choose one who is registered with the RTPI (the professional body which oversees planning professionals in the UK).

Again, the costs of this will vary according to the project, the area and the level of expertise you require. Although this may seem like an additional cost, often a good planning consultant will have well-established networks of professionals that they regularly work with locally – such as draughtsmen and architects. In the long run working through them can save you time and money. They will also usually have established relationships with the planning officers in your local area.

Involving a planning consultant at the start of the project can help you assess the issues and make sure that what you are submitting ticks the boxes of the relevant planning authority. 

There you have it. The cost of submitting a successful householder planning application. The key thing to remember, is the planning application fee is only part of the over-all cost. The best advice is to set a realistic view of total costs at the start of your project, set a clear budget and then stick to it. 

At UK Planning Consultants, we offer Householder Planning Permission in the following locations: Householder Planning Permission Bristol, Householder Planning Permission London, Householder Planning Permission Manchester.