Planning Fee Hikes Begin

Summary

Planning application fees in England increased on April 1, 2025. These changes follow the National Planning Policy Framework consultation, addressing funding shortfalls for local planning authorities. The fee increases affect various application types, including householder applications and prior approvals.

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** Main Story**

Alright, let’s talk about these planning fee hikes that came into effect on April 1st, 2025 here in the UK. It’s a pretty significant shift impacting anyone involved in building and development, so you’ll want to pay attention. Basically, the government’s trying to shore up funding for local planning authorities, especially those development management services that often run on fumes.

Now, these changes stem from the National Planning Policy Framework consultation from last year, and frankly, some of the increases are eye-watering. But, hey, at least they’re trying to fix the funding gap, right?

Householder Applications: Ouch!

For homeowners thinking of extending or altering their property, this is where it really stings. The fee for those types of applications, you know, enlargements, improvements, anything to a single house, that’s more than doubled. It used to be £258, now it’s a hefty £528! And if your project involves two or more houses? Brace yourself – that’s jumped from £509 to £1,043.

I mean, I remember when I added a small extension to my place a few years back, paperwork was already a headache but I had to pay an extra £270 odd now. Now? This is going to make people think twice, isn’t it? Though, on the other hand, maybe it’ll ensure those local planning departments have the resources they need to actually, you know, process these applications efficiently.

Prior Approval: A Mixed Bag

Prior approval applications, often used for things like permitted development rights, have also gone up. If it’s just paperwork, with no building involved, you’re looking at £240 instead of the old £120. But, if you’re doing any building work, like with those ‘Class Q’ barn conversions? Boom, £516, more than double the previous £258.

However, and here’s where it gets a little odd, they haven’t gone for a ‘per dwelling’ fee structure across the board. So, converting a barn into one house costs the same as converting it into ten (the maximum allowed under Class Q). Seems a bit inconsistent, doesn’t it? Still, its something I can live with.

Section 73 Applications: A Tiered Approach

Section 73 applications, the ones for tweaking or removing planning conditions, they’ve had a pretty big overhaul. Before, it was a flat £292, no matter what the project. Now, it’s a tiered system. £86 for householder applications, £586 for non-major developments (excluding householder ones), and a whopping £2,000 for major developments.

That’s definitely designed to better reflect the workload involved, as you can imagine. And, frankly, it makes sense. Major developments require a lot more scrutiny and resources.

Discharge of Conditions: Doubling Down

And if you need to discharge details required by a planning condition? Well, that’s doubled too. Householders are now looking at £86, and other developments, £298. These increases, along with everything else, send a clear message: the government wants planning services to pay for themselves, basically.

Looking Ahead: Local Control and Building Safety

Now, these fee changes are just one piece of the puzzle. The government’s also planning to give local authorities more power to set their own fees, which is interesting. They’ll still be capped, so councils can’t just go wild, but it’ll allow them to address local needs and costs.

On top of that, we’ve got the Building Safety Act 2022, being rolled out since late 2023 and during 2024. It’s all about boosting safety in high-risk buildings, especially those high-rise residential blocks. Think stricter rules for design, construction, and management, all to avoid another Grenfell Tower situation. Plus, new rules came in back in June 2022 demanding lower CO2 emissions for new buildings. It’s all part of a bigger push for sustainability and efficiency in the construction industry. Makes sense to me.

So, what’s the takeaway here? The UK’s building regulations are changing, and the increased planning fees are a big part of that. It’s all about funding local authorities, improving building safety, and hitting those net-zero targets. You’ve got to adapt or be left behind.