Planning permission is a crucial step in the process of constructing, extending or altering a property. It is essentially official consent from your local planning authority that grants you permission to carry out certain types of development on your land. However, obtaining planning permission can be a complex and costly process. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly understand the intricacies of the planning permission process. For example, how much is planning permission? What specific steps are involved? What can you expect during the process?

In this article, we will explore the world of planning permission, shedding light on the various aspects of the process in the UK that property owners, developers and anyone contemplating changes to their property need to understand.

Why Is Planning Permission Important?

Before we answer the question “How much is planning permission?”, it's important to understand why planning permission is necessary. 

Planning permission is important for a number of reasons. It helps to:

• Protect the environment. Planning permission ensures that a new development is carried out in a way that minimises its impact on the environment. This includes taking into account factors such as biodiversity, pollution and climate change.
• Preserve local heritage. Planning permission helps to maintain the character of an area, including protecting historic buildings and other heritage assets.
• Promote good design. Planning permission helps to ensure that a new development is of a high quality and in keeping with the local area.
• Prevent overdevelopment. Planning permission helps to prevent overdevelopment, which can lead to problems such as traffic congestion, noise pollution and a lack of green space.
• Protect the interests of local residents. Planning permission gives local residents a say in what happens in their area. They can make their views known about proposed developments through the planning process.

How Much Is Planning Permission?

So, how much is planning permission?

The cost of planning permission can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type and scale of your project, your location and the complexity of the planning process. 

Below are some of the key expenses you might encounter. However, it's important to note that not all projects will require every expense listed. The specific costs you'll encounter will depend on the nature of your development and planning regulations in your local area.

Application Fees

The first cost you'll encounter when seeking planning permission is the application fee. This fee is paid to your local planning authority when you submit your application, and the amount can vary from one area to another. In England, for example, planning fees are set nationally by the government and are detailed in the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2012. Fees can range from £206 for a householder application to several thousand pounds for more complex projects.

Architectural and Design Fees

To prepare a successful planning application, you may need the services of an architect or designer. The fees for these professionals can vary depending on the scope of your project and their level of experience.

Planning Consultants

In some cases, you may require the services of a planning consultant to navigate the intricacies of the planning process. Their fees can add to the overall cost of obtaining planning permission.

Surveyor Fees

If your project involves land surveys or assessments, you may need to hire a surveyor. Their fees will depend on the extent of the work required.

Legal Fees

In some situations, particularly if your project is disputed or faces legal challenges, you may need to hire a solicitor. Legal fees can be substantial and should be factored into your budget.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Large-scale developments often require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which can be costly. This assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects of your project and may involve additional expenses.

Additional Reports and Studies

Depending on your project and its location, you may need to commission various reports and studies, such as ecological surveys, traffic impact assessments or archaeological studies. These can add to the overall cost of planning permission.

Appeal Costs

Finally, if your planning application is rejected and you decide to appeal the decision, there will be additional planning permission costs associated with the appeal process.

Obtaining Planning Permission: Key Steps

Obtaining planning permission involves several key steps. Understanding these steps can help you navigate the process more effectively, so let’s explore.

Pre-Application Consultation

Before submitting your formal planning application, it's often advisable to engage in pre-application consultation with your local planning authority. This allows you to get feedback on your proposal and address any concerns or issues early on in the process.

Prepare Your Application

Once you have a well-defined project, you'll need to prepare a comprehensive planning application. This typically includes architectural drawings, design plans, site assessments and any other relevant documents.

Submit Your Application

The next step is to pay the necessary fee and submit your application to the local planning authority. The authority will review your submission to ensure it is complete and compliant with local regulations.

Public Consultation

In many cases, your application will be subject to a public consultation period. This allows local residents to voice their opinions and any potential concerns about your project.

Planning Committee Review

Depending on the complexity of your project, your application may also be reviewed by a planning committee or a planning officer. They will assess your proposal against local planning policies and regulations.

Decision & Appeal

After reviewing your application and any feedback received during the public consultation, the planning authority will make a decision. This can take several weeks to several months, depending on the project and the authority's workload.

If your application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. This involves a separate process and additional costs, as menitoned above.

Completion and Post-Construction Assessment

Once your project is completed, the planning authority may conduct a post-construction assessment to ensure that it complies with approved plans.

Planning Permission: What to Expect

Obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy and complex journey. Here are some crucial things to keep in mind as you navigate this process:

• Delays. The planning process can be slow, and delays are not uncommon. Factors such as the complexity of your project, the workload of the planning authority, and the need for additional assessments can all contribute to delays.
• Public engagement. Be prepared for public engagement, including consultations and potential objections from local residents. 
• Compliance. Once you have planning permission, it's essential to comply with all the conditions and requirements set by the planning authority. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action.
• Additional costs. Throughout the process, you may encounter unexpected costs, such as the need for additional reports or studies or changes to your plans to address concerns raised during public consultation.
• Flexibility. Be prepared to make adjustments to your plans based on feedback from the planning authority and the public. 
• Professional assistance. Consider enlisting the help of professionals, such as architects, planning consultants and solicitors, to guide you through the process and increase your chances of a successful application.

Ultimately, planning permission is a critical step in property development, but it comes with its own set of costs and challenges. Understanding the answers to questions like “How much is planning permission?” and “What can I expect at each stage of the process?” can help you navigate this journey more effectively.