Introduction
After delays from the originally proposed 2024 timeline, the UK Government has confirmed that planning application fees will rise from 1 April 2025. Some fees will double, significantly affecting homeowners planning any property alterations, conversions and extensions in the coming year. Below, we break down the key changes and offer tips on how to prepare.
Why Are Planning Fees Increasing?
The Government periodically reviews the planning system to ensure that local planning authorities have sufficient resources to handle applications efficiently. This review has led to a new Statutory Instrument being laid before Parliament to adjust planning fees.
Key Fee Changes Effective 1 April 2025
- Householder Applications
- Enlargement, improvement, or alteration of a single dwellinghouse: Fee increases from £258 to £528.
- Enlargement, improvement, or alteration of two or more dwellinghouses: Fee increases from £509 to £1,043.
- Householder developments related to small-scale operations (within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse): Fee remains at £258.
Impact: This is a substantial jump for those looking to extend or significantly alter their homes. If you’ve been considering a project, it may be more cost-effective to submit your application before the 1 April 2025 deadline.
- Prior Approvals
- Flat fee for prior approval applications without building operations: Increasing from £120 to £240.
- Flat fee for prior approval applications with building operations: Increasing from £258 to £516.
- Change of use of Class E uses to residential (Class MA of the GPDO): Fee increases from £125 per dwelling to £250 per dwelling.
- Prior approvals for constructing new dwelling houses: No changes.
- Other prior approval applications involving change of use to residential: No fee increase per dwelling.
Impact: This effectively doubles the cost of many prior approval applications. If your proposal falls into one of these categories, plan your budget accordingly.
- Section 73 Applications
A new three-tier fee structure applies to Section 73 (applications to vary or remove conditions on existing planning permissions):
- £86 for householder applications.
- £586 for non-major development.
- £2,000 for major development.
Impact: Developers seeking flexibility on previously granted permissions (particularly for major schemes) will see a notable increase in costs.
- Discharge of Conditions
- Householder fee increases from £43 to £86.
Impact: These are often less publicised costs but are crucial once planning permission is granted. Make sure to budget for this potential doubling of fees.
- Future Inflation Adjustments
It’s important to note that fees will be further adjusted in line with inflation from 1 April 2026. This marks the first time planning fees will have an automatic, inflation-based increase built into the regulations.
What These Changes Mean for You
If you’re planning an extension or loft conversion, submitting your application before 1 April 2025 could result in substantial savings.
How to Prepare and Next Steps
Review your project timeline: If possible, fast-track your planning applications before the fee increases.
Consult a planning professional: With higher fees, it’s more crucial than ever to submit robust applications. Mistakes or omissions could lead to costly resubmissions.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on Legislation.gov.uk for the final text of the Statutory Instrument and check GOV.UK regularly for official updates.
Conclusion
These fee increases mark the most significant shift in planning application costs in recent years, with certain fees doubling overnight. Understanding and planning for these changes will be key to a smooth and cost-effective application process.
Submit your planning application, and we’ll get one step closer to starting your build. Contact Floorplan Group today for our expert guidance and a stress-free experience by a team you can trust to bring your vision to life!