How Much Does Planning Permission Cost For An Extension? Uk Fees!

I’ll break down the exact costs you’ll face when applying for planning permission for your extension across the UK. While you might expect a straightforward fee structure, the reality involves multiple variables that can greatly impact your budget. From basic application charges that differ between England, Scotland, and Wales to the substantial fee increases hitting England in 2025, there’s more to take into account than most homeowners anticipate when calculating their total planning expenses.

Key Takeaways

England charges £528 per application for single dwelling extensions, while Scotland costs £300 and Wales £380.
Planning fees in England doubled in 2025, with householder applications rising from £258 to £528 annually.
Additional costs include pre-application advice (£50-£400), architectural drawings, and potential surveys beyond the basic application fee.
Extension fees remain fixed regardless of project size, unlike new dwelling applications which cost significantly more.
Submit applications before March 31st, 2025 to avoid higher fees and check permitted development rights eligibility.

Current Planning Permission Fees Across England, Wales, and Scotland

When you’re planning a home extension, understanding the current planning permission fees across the UK is essential for budgeting your project accurately. I’ll break down the costs you’ll face depending on your location.

In England, you’ll pay £528 per application for single dwelling extensions like rear extensions, side returns, or loft conversions. Scotland offers more affordable rates at £300 per application for domestic extensions, while Wales sits in the middle at £380 per application. If your property is located in a Conservation Area, you may face additional restrictions and requirements that can affect your extension plans.

If you’re extending a flat or maisonette, you’ll need full planning permission at these same householder rates. For larger projects involving two or more dwellings, England charges £1,043 for multi-property alterations. Remember, these fees increased dramatically in April 2025, so timing your application matters for your budget.

The fee increases aim to address a significant funding shortfall that local planning authorities face when processing development management services.

Major Fee Increases in England for 2025: What You Need to Know

England’s planning permission landscape changed dramatically in 2025, with fee increases that’ll greatly impact your extension budget. I’ve analyzed the new structure, and here’s what you’re facing: householder planning fees doubled from £258 to £528 for single-dwelling extensions. Prior approval fees for larger home extensions jumped from £206 to £240, while change-of-use applications doubled from £120 to £240.

Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that adhering to approved planning permissions is essential to avoid penalties. The government implemented automatic annual increases indexed to CPI, capped at 10%. If you’re planning an extension, timing matters significantly. Applications must clear payment by 5 PM on 31st March 2025 to avoid these higher fees. Bank transfers need processing by 26th March, while cheques must reach Planning Portal HQ by 19th March. Don’t let these deadlines catch you unprepared.

Looking ahead, planning fees may shift from national rates to Local Authority control, linked to the Government’s consultation on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Additional Costs Beyond the Basic Application Fee

While planning permission fees represent the most visible expense, you’ll encounter several additional costs that can greatly impact your extension budget. Pre-application advice fees range from £50 to £400, representing about half the cost of a full planning application fee. Though this feedback is non-binding, it can inform your formal application strategy.

You’ll need architectural drawings for your application, including site plans, floor plans, and elevations. Professional fees vary by project scope and architect, with costs structured as fixed or hourly rates. An effective design can significantly enhance your home’s value and living space potential.

Planning consultants offer expertise in the planning process, with fees depending on your project’s complexity. Their services include application preparation and policy guidance.

Finally, you’ll need surveys and technical reports to support your application, adding further expense to take into account. For larger extensions that fall under permitted development rights, you may also need to factor in prior approval costs of approximately £100 to ensure your project meets local authority requirements.

How Planning Fees Are Calculated for Different Types of Extensions

Understanding these additional expenses prepares you for the full financial picture, but the core planning permission fee itself follows a specific calculation method based on your extension type.

I’ll break down how these fees work for different scenarios. For a single dwelling extension, you’ll pay a fixed fee regardless of your project’s size or cost. In England, that’s £206, while Wales charges £230 and Scotland £300. The fee doesn’t increase if you’re building a massive two-story extension versus a small conservatory. It’s also crucial to ensure your extension complies with permitted development rights, as this can influence your fees.

However, if you’re extending multiple dwellings simultaneously, the calculation changes entirely. New dwelling applications cost considerably more – £462 in England, £460 in Wales, and £600 in Scotland. Mixed developments combine fees, taking the highest applicable rate plus half of others. Before submitting your application, consider seeking pre-application advice from your local council, as this guidance can help identify potential issues early and improve your chances of approval.

Regional Differences in Planning Permission Costs

Where you live in the UK markedly impacts your planning permission costs, with fees varying by hundreds of pounds between regions. In England, I’ll pay £206 for householder extension applications, rising to approximately £210 from April 2025 due to a 1.7% inflation increase. Scotland charges considerably more at £300 for the same householder applications—that’s nearly 50% higher than England’s rate.

Wales generally sits between England and Scotland for planning fees, though specific extension costs aren’t clearly published in their fee schedules. Northern Ireland operates under separate planning legislation with different fee structures entirely.

These regional differences mean your extension project’s total cost depends heavily on location. However, England’s planning fees are set to increase dramatically, with single dwellinghouse applications jumping from £258 to £528—a 104% increase that will significantly impact extension budgets. I’d recommend checking your specific region’s planning portal for the most current fees before budgeting your project.

Section 73 Applications and Conditional Approval Expenses

When you need to modify conditions on your existing planning permission, Section 73 applications offer a cost-effective route—but recent fee changes have greatly altered the expense structure.

From April 1st, 2025, Section 73 applications moved from a flat fee to a three-tier system. You’ll now pay £86 for householder applications, £586 for non-major development, and £2000 for major development. This represents a substantial increase, particularly for larger projects.

These changes are part of broader planning fee restructuring designed to better reflect processing costs. The new tiered approach means your fee directly correlates with your development’s scale and complexity. The fee increases aim to enhance financial sustainability of planning departments across the UK.

Beyond the planning fee, you’ll need to budget for professional consultants, architects, or specialists who’ll prepare your application materials and supporting documentation.

Money-Saving Strategies for Your Extension Planning Application

Although planning permission costs continue rising, several strategic approaches can greatly reduce your extension application expenses. I recommend submitting your application before April 1, 2025, when household extension fees jump from £258 to £528—saving you up to £270. First, check if your project qualifies for permitted development rights, which eliminates fees entirely for extensions under specific size limits outside conservation areas. A well-designed extension can increase property value significantly, enhancing your investment in the long run.

I’d suggest engaging accredited architects to prevent costly submission errors that require reapplication fees. Consider designing within “small-scale operations” categories to maintain the £258 fee rather than £528 for major extensions. You’ll also want to explore fee exemptions for disability access adaptations or renewable energy installations. Additionally, be aware that automatic inflation adjustments will begin from April 1, 2026, making early application submission even more crucial for long-term cost savings. These strategic moves can considerably reduce your planning costs while ensuring compliance.

Conclusion

I’ve covered the essential planning permission costs you’ll face for your extension across the UK. You’re looking at £528 in England, £300 in Scotland, and £380 in Wales currently, but England’s fees will double by 2025. Don’t forget additional expenses like architectural drawings and professional advice. I’d recommend applying sooner rather than later to avoid the upcoming fee increases and budget carefully for all associated costs.