The householder planning application fee is the statutory charge paid when applying for planning permission for certain works to an existing dwellinghouse.
In England, the fee for a typical householder application is currently £548 from 1 April 2026. The fee applies to applications for the enlargement, improvement or alteration of a single existing dwellinghouse.
However, not every home improvement project requires a householder planning application. Some work may fall under permitted development rights, while other proposals may require a different type of application.
Understanding the correct application route is therefore important before paying the fee.
What Is a Householder Planning Application?
A householder planning application is used for certain development proposals affecting an existing dwellinghouse.
Typical examples can include:
- House extensions
- Certain loft conversions
- External alterations
- Some changes to the design or appearance of a house
- Certain development within the property’s curtilage
The householder route is generally concerned with alterations to an existing single dwellinghouse rather than larger development schemes involving multiple homes.
If you are unsure which application you need, our Planning Permission service information can help you understand the available routes.
How Much Is the Householder Planning Application Fee?
In England, the current fee is £548 for an application relating to the enlargement, improvement or alteration of a single dwellinghouse.
There are separate fees for certain other works.
For example, certain operations within the curtilage of an existing dwellinghouse, including specified gates, fences, walls and other means of enclosure, have a fee of £272 from 1 April 2026.
The fee should be checked against the specific proposal before submission because the wrong application type or fee can create validation problems.
Does Every Extension Need a Householder Application?
No.
Some extensions can be carried out under permitted development rights if they satisfy the relevant limitations and conditions.
Whether permitted development applies can depend on factors such as:
- The size of the extension
- Its height
- Its position on the property
- Previous extensions
- The type of property
- Whether permitted development rights have been restricted
- Whether the property is in a sensitive location
If permitted development does not apply, planning permission may be required.
Our guide to Do I Need Planning Permission? explains some of the key considerations.
What Does the Fee Cover?
The householder planning application fee covers the local planning authority’s processing and determination of the application.
It does not normally cover the other professional costs involved in preparing the proposal.
You may separately need to budget for:
- Architectural drawings
- Planning advice
- Site surveys
- Specialist reports
- Planning statements
- Other supporting documents
The amount required depends on the nature of the project.
What Drawings Are Needed?
A householder application normally needs enough information for the planning authority to understand what currently exists and what you are proposing.
Depending on the project, this can include:
- Location plans
- Site plans
- Existing floor plans
- Proposed floor plans
- Existing elevations
- Proposed elevations
- Site sections where relevant
The exact validation requirements can vary according to the application and local authority.
Planning Build’s architectural design service can be relevant where professional drawings are required.
Is There a Planning Portal Charge?
If you submit an application online through the Planning Portal, there may be a separate service charge in addition to the statutory planning fee.
From 1 April 2026, the Planning Portal announced a £75.83 plus VAT service charge for relevant planning application submissions.
The Planning Portal also operates different application charging bands, and applications below certain fee thresholds may not attract the same charge.
It is therefore worth checking the total payable at the point of submission.
Are There Householder Fee Exemptions?
Certain planning applications can qualify for exemptions or reductions depending on the circumstances.
The Planning Portal notes that exemptions and reductions can apply in specific situations, including certain disability-related works.
Because eligibility depends on the proposal and circumstances, you should check the applicable rules before assuming that a fee is payable or exempt.
How Long Does a Householder Application Take?
In England, a valid standard planning application, including householder development, normally has an 8-week statutory determination period. A longer period can be agreed in writing between the applicant and local planning authority.
However, the eight weeks should not necessarily be treated as the total time from the moment you first start planning the project.
You also need to allow time for:
- Deciding whether permission is required
- Preparing drawings
- Gathering supporting information
- Checking the application
- Validation
- Public consultation
- Assessment by the planning officer
- Any agreed extension of time
The application clock relates to a valid application, so an application that is initially incomplete can take longer overall.
What Happens After Submission?
Once the application is valid, the local planning authority assesses the proposal.
This can include consultation with neighbours and other relevant consultees. The planning officer will consider the proposal against the development plan and other relevant planning considerations.
Most standard applications are decided within eight weeks, although some applications take longer because of their complexity or because an extension of time is agreed.
What If the Application Is Refused?
A refusal does not necessarily mean the project cannot proceed.
Depending on the reasons for refusal, you may be able to revise the proposal and submit a new application or appeal the decision.
Understanding the reasons for refusal is important before deciding which route to take.
Planning Build can provide support with the planning process, including planning application advice.
Householder Planning Application Fee: FAQs
How much is a householder planning application in England?
The current fee is £548 for the enlargement, improvement or alteration of a single existing dwellinghouse.
Does a loft conversion need a householder planning application?
It depends on the proposal. Some loft conversions may fall under permitted development, while others may require planning permission.
Is the £548 fee the total cost?
No. Drawings, planning advice, surveys and specialist reports can create additional costs.
How long does a householder planning application take?
The statutory determination period for a valid standard application is normally eight weeks in England.
Can the planning fee be refunded if permission is refused?
A refusal does not normally mean the application fee is refunded.
Get Help With Your Householder Application
The householder planning application fee is straightforward to identify for a typical application, but determining whether you actually need a householder application and preparing the correct information can require more consideration.
Planning Build can help you understand your planning requirements and prepare for the application process.
For advice on your proposed extension or alteration, contact Planning Build.
