Understanding the cost of planning permission is an important part of budgeting for a property or land development project. The total amount you spend can include more than the planning application fee itself.
Planning permission costs vary depending on the type, size and complexity of the proposed development. A homeowner applying for permission for an extension may have very different costs from a developer applying for permission for several new homes or a commercial scheme.
There may also be costs for architectural drawings, planning advice, surveys, specialist reports and other supporting information.
This guide explains what you may need to budget for when applying for planning permission and what can affect the overall cost.
How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?
There is no single fee for planning permission. In England, planning application fees are set according to the type and scale of development, with different fees applying to different categories of application.
From 1 April 2026, the standard fee for a typical householder application for the enlargement, improvement or alteration of an existing single dwellinghouse is £548. Smaller works within the boundary of a dwellinghouse, such as certain fences or other ancillary works, have a fee of £272.
Other types of development are charged differently. For example, applications for new dwellings can be calculated according to the number of homes proposed, while some applications are based on the size of the site.
The Planning Portal provides a fee calculator to help applicants establish the likely application fee for their proposal. The relevant local planning authority ultimately checks whether the correct fee has been paid.
What Makes Up the Cost of Planning Permission?
When people ask about the cost of planning permission, they are often referring to the application fee. However, the total cost of getting a development through the planning process can include several separate expenses.
These may include:
- Planning application fees
- Planning consultant fees
- Architectural drawings
- Site surveys
- Specialist reports
- Heritage assessments
- Transport or highways assessments
- Ecology surveys
- Flood risk or drainage assessments
- Landscape information
- Planning Portal service charges where applicable
- Pre-application advice
Not every project will require all of these.
A simple householder application may need relatively little supporting information, while a larger development can require several specialist reports.
How Much Do Planning Drawings Cost?
Planning drawings are a separate cost from the planning application fee.
Depending on the project, you may need drawings showing:
- The existing property or site
- Proposed floor plans
- Proposed elevations
- Site layout
- Location of the development
- Sections or other technical information
The cost will depend on the size and complexity of the project and who prepares the drawings.
A straightforward extension may require less design work than a new-build development or a more complicated alteration.
Planning drawings also need to provide enough information for the planning authority to understand what is being proposed, so reducing the cost by submitting inadequate information can create problems later.
How Much Does a Planning Consultant Cost?
If you use a planning consultant, their fee will be separate from the application fee charged by the local authority.
Planning consultant fees can vary depending on the scope of work.
For example, you may need help with:
- Initial planning advice
- Assessing whether permission is required
- Reviewing planning constraints
- Preparing a planning statement
- Preparing and submitting an application
- Responding to planning officer queries
- Negotiating amendments
- Supporting an appeal
A simple application may require less professional input than a large or complex development.
For this reason, planning consultant fees are normally quoted based on the individual project rather than as one standard price.
Are There Other Planning Permission Costs?
Potential additional costs depend heavily on the development.
A larger or more complex project may require specialist information before an application can be determined.
For example, depending on the site, you may need:
- Ecological surveys
- Tree surveys
- Flood risk assessments
- Drainage information
- Heritage assessments
- Transport assessments
- Landscape assessments
- Environmental reports
These are not automatically required for every planning application.
The relevant local planning authority’s validation requirements and the characteristics of the site will determine what information is needed.
Does Planning Permission Cost More for Larger Developments?
Generally, larger developments have more complex fee structures and can involve considerably more supporting work.
For example, applications for multiple new homes are generally calculated according to the number of dwellings proposed, while some applications for development of land are calculated according to site area.
Larger schemes can also require more extensive drawings, technical reports and professional input.
This means the difference between the planning application fee and the overall project cost can become significant.
For a large development, it is therefore useful to budget for the planning process as a whole rather than focusing only on the application fee.
Does It Cost Money to Submit a Planning Application Online?
There can be an additional service charge when submitting certain applications through the Planning Portal.
The Planning Portal currently states that a service charge applies to applications attracting a planning fee of more than £100. Its current online application service uses different charge bands depending on the application.
This is separate from the planning application fee paid to the local planning authority.
The applicable charges should be checked when preparing the application because fees and service charges can change.
Is Pre-Application Advice Included in the Planning Permission Cost?
No. Pre-application advice is separate from the planning application fee.
Some local planning authorities offer a pre-application advice service for a fee. This allows applicants to discuss a proposal with the authority before submitting a formal application.
Whether this is worthwhile depends on the project.
For a straightforward proposal, you may decide to proceed without formal pre-application advice. For a larger or more complicated development, obtaining early feedback may help identify planning issues before a formal application is submitted.
The cost and scope of pre-application services vary between local authorities.
Are There Planning Permission Fee Exemptions?
Some applications may qualify for an exemption or reduction depending on the circumstances.
For example, certain householder applications relating to works required for disabled access or to improve the safety, health or comfort of a disabled person can be exempt from the standard fee.
There are also different rules for certain types of application and development.
If you believe your project may qualify for an exemption or reduction, check the applicable fee guidance or confirm the position with the local planning authority before submitting.
Does Planning Permission Cost Money If the Application Is Refused?
The application fee is normally payable when you submit the application. Paying the fee does not guarantee that planning permission will be granted.
The cost of preparing an application can also remain even if the application is refused.
If you later decide to submit a revised application or appeal, there may be further professional or application-related costs depending on the circumstances.
This is why assessing the proposal and identifying potential planning issues before submission can be valuable.
How to Estimate Your Planning Permission Cost
Before starting your application, consider the project in stages:
- Identify the type of development.
Establish whether it is a householder project, new development, change of use, outline application or another category. - Check the application fee.
Use the current fee schedule or Planning Portal fee calculator. - Identify the required drawings.
Establish what plans and drawings are needed for the proposal. - Check for specialist requirements.
Consider whether surveys or technical reports may be required. - Budget for professional advice.
Decide whether you need a planning consultant, architect or other specialist. - Allow for additional costs.
Consider pre-application advice, online submission charges and potential revisions.
This gives you a more realistic picture of the total cost than looking at the planning application fee alone.
Get Help With Planning Permission Costs
The cost of planning permission depends on what you are proposing, where the development is located and how much information is needed to support the application.
Planning Build can help you understand the planning requirements for your project, assess the appropriate application route and identify the professional support and information that may be needed.
Whether you are planning a house extension, new development, change of use or another type of project, understanding the likely planning costs before you begin can help you budget more accurately.
Explore Planning Build’s planning application services or contact the team to discuss your project.
