The cost of planning permission in the UK depends on several factors, including where your property is located, the type of development you are proposing and the planning application you need.
There is no single UK-wide planning permission fee. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different planning systems and fee structures.
For example, in England, a typical householder planning application costs £548 from 1 April 2026. In Wales, the equivalent fee for enlarging, improving or altering one dwellinghouse is currently £585, while in Scotland a householder application is £371.
However, the application fee is only one part of the potential cost. Drawings, surveys, specialist reports and professional planning support may also be required.
What Does Planning Permission Cost in the UK?
The cost of planning permission varies according to the project.
A straightforward house extension may require a relatively simple householder application, while a new residential development or commercial project can involve significantly higher fees and additional supporting information.
It is therefore useful to separate the statutory planning application fee from the wider costs involved in preparing and progressing an application.
Before budgeting for an application, it is also important to establish whether you actually need planning permission. Some types of development may fall within permitted development rights, subject to the relevant conditions and restrictions.
If you are unsure, our guide to whether you need planning permission can help you understand the key considerations.
Planning Permission Costs in England
Planning application fees in England are set nationally and are subject to annual changes.
From 1 April 2026, a standard householder application for the enlargement, improvement or alteration of an existing single dwellinghouse costs £548. Certain ancillary works within the boundary of a dwellinghouse, including some walls, fences and gates, have a fee of £272. Permission in Principle is charged at £531 per 0.1 hectare or part thereof.
Larger developments use different fee calculations.
For example, full applications for new dwellinghouses are charged according to the number of dwellings proposed. From 1 April 2026, the fee is £610 per dwelling for applications involving fewer than 10 dwellings, with different rates applying to larger developments.
The exact fee should be checked before submission because an incorrect fee can delay validation of an application. The Planning Portal provides a fee calculator, although the relevant local planning authority ultimately confirms whether the fee is correct.
For more information about the planning process, see our Planning Permission guide.
Planning Permission Costs in Wales
Wales has its own planning fee structure.
From 1 December 2025, the fee for an application involving the enlargement, improvement or alteration of one existing dwellinghouse is £585. The fee for two or more dwellinghouses under this category is £820. Certain ancillary works, such as some works within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse, are charged separately.
The amount payable depends on the type and size of the proposed development, and some applications may qualify for reduced or zero fees.
If your property is in Wales, you should therefore use the current Welsh fee guidance rather than applying an England-based figure.
Planning Permission Costs in Scotland
Scotland also has a separate planning fee structure.
From 1 April 2026, a householder application to enlarge, improve or alter an existing dwellinghouse costs £371. Applications involving multiple dwellinghouses are charged according to the number of homes proposed, with £742 per dwelling for the first 10 and different rates for subsequent dwellings.
Planning fees in Scotland are also subject to annual inflation-linked increases.
What About Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland operates its own planning system and application fee structure.
As a result, planning costs for a property in Northern Ireland should be checked against the current requirements of the relevant planning authority rather than using the figures for England, Wales or Scotland.
This is one reason it is important to consider where the property is located before estimating the cost of planning permission in the UK.
What Other Planning Costs Should You Budget For?
The planning application fee is not necessarily the total amount you will spend.
Depending on the project, additional costs may include:
Architectural drawings
Planning applications generally require appropriate drawings showing the existing site or property and the proposed development.
The complexity and number of drawings required will depend on the nature of the project.
Planning Build can provide architectural design services where architectural input is required as part of a development proposal.
Planning advice
Professional planning advice is another potential cost.
A planning consultant can help you understand the planning requirements, assess the development potential of a site and identify potential planning issues before an application is submitted.
Our planning permission advice service can help you assess your options before committing to the application process.
Surveys and specialist reports
Some developments require additional technical information.
Depending on the site and proposal, this could include:
- Ecology surveys
- Tree surveys
- Flood risk assessments
- Heritage assessments
- Transport or highways information
- Drainage assessments
- Environmental reports
Not every project will require these. The requirements depend on the characteristics of the site and the nature of the proposed development.
Pre-application advice
Some local planning authorities offer pre-application advice before a formal planning application is submitted.
There may be a separate charge for this service, and the amount varies between authorities and types of proposal.
Pre-application advice can be useful for more complex developments where there are important planning considerations to resolve at an early stage.
How Much Does Planning Permission Cost for a House Extension?
For a typical house extension in England that requires a householder planning application, the statutory application fee is currently £548.
However, the overall cost can be higher once you account for drawings, planning advice and any surveys or specialist reports that may be required.
Some extensions may also qualify for permitted development rights rather than requiring a planning application. This depends on the property, the proposed work and whether the relevant conditions and limitations are met.
If you are planning an extension, our planning application service information can help you understand what is involved.
Does Planning Permission Cost More for Larger Developments?
It can.
Planning fees are not simply based on the construction cost of a project. Depending on the application type, the fee may be calculated according to factors such as:
- Number of new dwellings
- Site area
- Type of development
- Floor space
- Number of properties affected
Larger developments can also require more extensive drawings, surveys and specialist reports, increasing the overall cost of preparing an application.
For complex proposals, feasibility advice and planning strategy can help establish the planning considerations before significant design or application costs are incurred.
How to Calculate Your Planning Permission Costs
Before starting your project, consider the following:
- Where is the property located?
Planning fees differ across the UK. - Do you need planning permission?
Some projects may benefit from permitted development rights. - What type of application do you need?
The application type affects the statutory fee. - What is the size and scale of the development?
Larger developments may use different fee calculations. - What drawings are required?
Your project may need architectural plans and supporting drawings. - Are surveys or specialist reports required?
This depends on the site and development. - Will you need professional planning advice?
More complex proposals may benefit from specialist input.
The Planning Portal’s fee calculator can help applicants in England estimate the statutory application fee, although the local planning authority makes the final determination on whether the correct fee has been paid.
Get Planning Permission Advice
The cost of planning permission in the UK depends on much more than the application fee alone. The location, type of development, supporting information and professional services required can all affect your overall budget.
Planning Build can help you understand the planning requirements for your proposal, assess your development options and prepare for the application process.
If you are unsure what permission you need or what costs you should allow for, contact Planning Build to discuss your project.
