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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 involves several key steps. Understanding these steps can help you navigate the process more effectively, so let’s explore.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once your project is completed, the planning authority may conduct a post-construction assessment to ensure that it complies with approved plans.
Obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy and complex journey. Here are some crucial things to keep in mind as you navigate this process:
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.