The cost of pre-application planning advice is an important consideration when planning a property extension, conversion, new build or other development. Getting advice before submitting a formal planning application can help you understand potential planning issues, identify the information you need and decide whether your proposal is worth pursuing.
However, there is no single fee that applies across the UK. Some local planning authorities offer basic guidance free of charge, while others charge for written advice, meetings, site visits or more detailed assessments. Private planning consultants also set their own fees depending on the work involved.
Understanding these costs before requesting advice can help you budget appropriately and choose a service that meets your needs.
How Much Does Pre-Application Planning Advice Cost?
The cost depends on the local authority, the type of development and the level of service you request. A straightforward house extension will generally require a different level of assessment from a major residential scheme or a development involving complex planning constraints.
In England, local planning authorities determine their own charges for discretionary pre-application services. This means fees can vary considerably between councils, even for similar proposals.
For example, published 2026 fee schedules illustrate the range of charges:
- Oxford City Council: Its schedule lists householder advice at £77 for a written response or £155 for a meeting, before VAT. The combined service costs £232 before VAT.
- Burnley Council: Its schedule lists householder advice at £94 including VAT, rising to £141 where a site visit is included.
- Thurrock Council: Its schedule lists householder written advice at £261 including VAT, or £348 for written advice and a half-hour meeting with a planning officer.
These are examples from individual councils, not national averages or prices that apply to every development. Fees and services can change, so check the current schedule for the authority responsible for your site.
You can find more information in the published schedules from Oxford City Council, Burnley Council and Thurrock Council.
What Affects the Cost of Pre-Application Planning Advice?
Several factors determine how much you may need to pay.
1. The Type and Scale of Development
The nature of your proposal is one of the main factors affecting the fee.
A small house extension may require a relatively straightforward review of the design, relevant planning policies and potential impact on neighbouring properties. A larger residential development may require consideration of housing numbers, access, transport, infrastructure, design, environmental matters and other planning issues.
Councils often use different fee categories for householder projects, minor developments, major schemes and specialist proposals.
Before requesting advice, identify the category your project falls into under your local authority’s charging schedule.
2. The Level of Advice Provided
Not all pre-application services include the same work.
A basic service may provide general guidance or a short written response. A more comprehensive service might include a meeting with a planning officer, a site visit, feedback from specialist officers or a detailed written assessment.
The more time and expertise required, the higher the fee may be.
When comparing services, look beyond the headline price. Check whether the fee includes written feedback, how many meetings are available and whether you can ask follow-up questions.
3. Site Constraints and Planning Complexity
A development involving a listed building, conservation area, Green Belt land or other planning constraints may require additional consideration.
For example, a proposal affecting a listed building may need input from a conservation officer as well as a planning officer. A development with access, drainage or environmental concerns may also require specialist input.
Some authorities charge different rates for these circumstances, while others may require additional services or information.
Early advice can help you identify issues that need attention, although it cannot replace specialist surveys or guarantee a positive planning decision.
4. Meetings and Site Visits
Some councils offer written advice separately from meetings or site visits. Others combine these services into a single package.
A meeting may be useful when your proposal involves several design options or you need to discuss specific concerns with a planning officer. A site visit may provide a better understanding of the property’s surroundings and physical constraints.
However, these additional services may increase the total cost.
Before booking, establish whether a meeting or site visit is necessary for your project and whether it is included in the quoted fee.
How Much Do Private Planning Consultants Charge?
Private planning consultant fees are separate from local authority pre-application charges.
A consultant may charge a fixed fee for reviewing a proposal, an hourly rate for advice or a project-based fee covering several stages of work. The amount depends on the consultant, the complexity of the development and the scope of the service.
For a straightforward proposal, you may need only an initial consultation or a review of your plans. A more complicated project may require policy research, a site assessment, a written planning appraisal, preparation for council discussions or ongoing support as the proposal develops.
There is no single standard private consultant fee that applies to every project. It is therefore advisable to obtain a tailored quotation rather than rely on a general figure.
When requesting a quote, clarify:
- What work the consultant will carry out.
- Whether the fee includes a site visit or meeting.
- Whether written advice or a planning appraisal is included.
- Whether the consultant will liaise with the local planning authority.
- Whether revisions and follow-up discussions are included.
- Whether VAT and other expenses are additional.
You can also review Planning Build’s information on planning consultant fees to understand how professional planning support may be priced.
How to Budget for Pre-Application Planning Advice
Before committing to a service, take the following steps.
Check Your Local Authority’s Fees
Start with the council responsible for the site. Review its pre-application advice page and identify the fee category that applies to your development.
Confirm whether the published price includes VAT and whether additional charges apply for meetings, site visits or specialist advice.
Decide What Level of Support You Need
Consider whether you need a brief discussion, written feedback or a more detailed assessment.
If you are still exploring whether your project is feasible, an initial consultation with a planning consultant may be sufficient. If you have a developed proposal and need specific feedback, a formal council service may be more appropriate.
Allow for Additional Professional Costs
Pre-application advice is only one possible expense. Depending on your project, you may also need architectural drawings, surveys, technical reports or specialist professional input.
These costs should be considered separately when preparing your development budget.
You can read more about planning application costs to understand the expenses that may arise when you move towards a formal submission.
Confirm What Happens After the Advice
Find out whether the service includes follow-up discussions or whether further advice will incur another fee.
Also establish the council’s expected response time and whether the advice will be provided in writing. This can help you plan the next stage of your project and avoid unexpected charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pre-application planning advice cost in the UK?
There is no fixed UK-wide fee. Costs vary by council, development type and level of service. Some basic guidance is free, while formal written advice, meetings and site visits may incur charges.
Do I have to pay for pre-application planning advice?
No. Pre-application advice is generally optional, although it is encouraged for many proposals. Whether you pay depends on the service you choose and the local authority’s charging policy.
Is a planning consultant’s fee included in the council’s charge?
No. Private planning consultant fees and local authority pre-application charges are separate. If you appoint a consultant to prepare your proposal or attend council discussions, confirm their fee and scope of work independently.
Does paying for pre-application advice guarantee planning permission?
No. The advice is not a formal planning decision. Your eventual application will be assessed on its merits, taking account of relevant planning policies, material considerations and consultation responses.
Can pre-application advice save money?
It may help you identify planning risks and avoid unnecessary expenditure on a proposal that needs significant changes. However, the benefit depends on the project, and the advice itself may involve a fee.
Get Advice Before Moving Forward With Your Development
The cost of pre-application planning advice depends on the complexity of your project and the level of support you require. Checking your local authority’s fee schedule, understanding what is included and comparing suitable professional services can help you budget with greater confidence.
Early advice can be particularly useful when you need to understand planning constraints, assess design options or decide how to proceed before submitting a formal application.
If you are considering a development and need help understanding your options, contact Planning Build to discuss the planning support that may be suitable for your project.
