Do You Actually Need Planning Permission? [Free 30-Second Check]
Critical First Step: Before spending £528, 40% of people don't actually need planning permission. The UK government grants "permitted development rights" allowing certain extensions without formal applications.
You DON'T Need Planning Permission For:
Single-storey rear extensions:
- Terraced/semi-detached houses: Up to 6 meters deep
- Detached houses: Up to 8 meters deep
- Maximum height: 4 meters under pitched roof, 3 meters under flat roof
Two-storey rear extensions:
- Maximum depth: 3 meters from original back wall
- Cannot exceed original house height
- Must be single-width only (not full-width)
Loft conversions:
- Rear dormers not visible from street
- Maximum 40 cubic meters additional space (terraced/semi)
- Maximum 50 cubic meters (detached)
- No balconies or raised platforms
Side return extensions:
- Single-storey only
- Within permitted development size limits
- Maximum 50% of garden area
You DO Need Planning Permission For:
- Larger extensions: Anything exceeding the limits above
- Front extensions: Any extension to your property's front
- Conservation areas: Additional restrictions apply
- Listed buildings: Grade I, II*, or II properties require consent
- Flats/maisonettes: No permitted development rights
- Article 4 directions: Special restrictions in some areas
Money-Saving Tip: Use the Planning Portal's interactive house tool for instant results. Could save you £528 and 12 weeks.
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Check Now (30 seconds)What Is Planning Permission? [Expert Explanation]
Planning permission is formal approval from your local council before starting building work. Your council acts as a referee, checking your plans won't negatively impact neighbors, block natural light, or clash with local character.
The Professional Reality: Chartered planners achieve 95-98% approval rates because they understand the system intimately. DIY applications fail 30-40% more often due to poor drawings, misunderstanding requirements, and inadequate supporting information.
2025 Fee Increase Impact: Planning fees rose significantly in 2025. Most home extensions now cost £528 to apply for, making first-time approval crucial to avoid costly resubmissions.
How Much Does Planning Permission Cost in 2025?
Government Fees (Non-Refundable Even if Rejected)
Householder Application: £528
- Most common for home extensions
- Covers single/two-storey extensions, conservatories, loft conversions
- Houses only (not flats or maisonettes)
- 8-week statutory determination period
Full Planning Application: £1,056+
- Complex or large-scale projects
- New buildings or major alterations
- Required if householder category doesn't apply
- 8-13 week determination period
Prior Approval: £172
- Extensions slightly larger than permitted development
- Faster processing (6 weeks vs 8 weeks)
- Can save £356 vs householder applications
- Limited assessment scope
Listed Building Consent: £528+
- Required for any changes to listed properties
- Often requires additional heritage assessments
- Can run parallel to planning applications
Professional Costs Breakdown
| Service | Cost Range | Success Impact | Why Essential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Drawings | £1,500-£5,000 | +35% success rate | Required by law, 90% of DIY drawings rejected |
| Planning Consultant | £1,000-£3,000 | +30% success rate | Increases success from 60% to 95% |
| Structural Engineer | £800-£2,500 | Prevents rejections | Needed for load-bearing changes |
| Surveys (if required) | £300-£1,200 | Avoids delays | Tree, ecology, heritage assessments |
Total Professional Budget: £3,500-£11,700
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Resubmission fees: £528+ if rejected (happens to 30-40% of DIY applications)
- Appeal costs: £1,056 + 6-8 months delay + professional representation
- Amended plans: £200-£800 for design changes during process
- Building regulations: Separate £150-£500 fee (required in addition)
- Condition discharge: £116 per condition (typically 2-4 conditions)
Calculate your total costs
Get a personalized budget breakdown for your specific project.
Cost Calculator (Free)Planning Permission Timeline: What to Expect in 2025
Complete Process Timeline: 12-20 Weeks Total
Pre-Application Phase (4-6 weeks)
- Initial consultation with architect: 1-2 weeks
- Site survey and detailed measurements: 1 week
- Drawing preparation and revisions: 2-3 weeks
- Document compilation and form completion: 1 week
Application Phase (8-10 weeks)
- Council validation check: 5-10 working days
- Neighbor consultation period: 21 days (mandatory)
- Planning officer assessment: Remaining time within 8-week limit
- Committee referral (if required): Additional 2-4 weeks
- Decision issued: Within statutory timeframe
Post-Decision Phase (Variable)
- Planning conditions discharge: 2-8 weeks
- Building regulations approval: 4-8 weeks
- Construction commencement: After all approvals received
Fast-Track Options Available
- Prior Approval Applications: 6 weeks instead of 8 weeks
- Pre-application advice: £200-£500 reduces delays and rejections
- Planning Performance Agreements: Bespoke timescales for complex projects
- Professional submission: Faster validation due to completeness
Planning Application Documents Checklist 2025
Essential Documents (Application Invalid Without These)
- •Completed application form (1APP or householder form via Planning Portal)
- •Location plan (1:1250 scale showing property in red, surrounding area)
- •Site plan (1:500 scale showing property boundaries and proposal)
- •Existing floor plans and elevations (accurate to-scale drawings)
- •Proposed floor plans and elevations (showing all changes clearly)
- •Application fee (£528 for householder applications, paid online)
Professional Drawings Requirements (Mandatory Standards)
Scale Requirements:
- Floor plans: 1:50 or 1:100 scale minimum
- Elevations: 1:50 or 1:100 scale minimum
- Site plans: 1:200 or 1:500 scale
- Location plans: Ordnance Survey 1:1250 scale
Essential Drawing Elements:
- Accurate measurements and dimensions throughout
- North point clearly marked on all plans
- Materials and finishes specified with samples
- Existing vs proposed clearly differentiated (often red/blue)
- Professional title blocks with drawing numbers
- Revision tracking and version control
Professional Drawing Cost: £1,500-£5,000
DIY Drawing Rejection Rate: 90% (rejected at validation stage)
Supporting Documents (Required When Applicable)
Types of Planning Applications Explained
1. Householder Application (£528) - Most Common
Eligible projects:
- Single or two-storey rear extensions
- Loft conversions and roof alterations
- Conservatories and garden rooms
- Garages and outbuildings
- Swimming pools and tennis courts
Key limitations:
- Houses only (not flats)
- Cannot create separate dwelling
- Must remain ancillary to main house
2. Full Planning Application (£1,056+) - Complex Projects
When required:
- New house construction
- Major extensions or alterations
- Commercial developments
- Change of use applications
- Projects creating separate dwellings
3. Prior Approval (£172) - Quick Assessment
Assessment covers only:
- Transport and highways impacts
- Contamination risks
- Flooding risks
- Design and external appearance (in some cases)
Potential savings: £356 vs householder application + 2 weeks faster
4. Listed Building Consent (£528+) - Heritage Properties
Always required for:
- Internal or external alterations
- Extensions to listed buildings
- Demolition of listed structures
- Changes affecting setting of listed buildings
Planning Permission Success Rates by UK Region (2024 Data)
| Region | Success Rate | Average Processing Time | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| North East | 93% | 7.2 weeks | Highest approval rates, supportive policies |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 91% | 7.5 weeks | Strong suburban approval rates |
| South East | 82% | 8.7 weeks | Conservation area challenges, high density |
| London | 76% | 9.3 weeks | Strictest due to density, design requirements |
| Scotland | 81% | 8.8 weeks | Different system, generally supportive |
86%
National Average
Householder applications
15-20%
Lower Success
Conservation areas
25-30%
Lower Success
Green Belt areas
Common Planning Application Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Using Poor Quality or Inaccurate Drawings
Problem:
90% of DIY drawings get rejected at validation stage
Cost Impact:
£528+ wasted plus 8+ week resubmission delays
Professional Solution:
Invest in RIBA-qualified architect (£1,500-£5,000)
Warning Signs: Hand-drawn plans, Google Earth screenshots, unclear dimensions
Mistake 2: Choosing Wrong Application Type
Problem:
Paying £1,056 for full planning when £528 householder applies
Cost Impact:
£528 overpayment plus unnecessary complexity
Professional Solution:
Pre-application advice or planning consultant review
Common Error: Assuming full planning needed for large extensions
Mistake 3: Inadequate Neighbor Consultation
Problem:
Neighbor objections cause delays, conditions, or refusals
Cost Impact:
3-6 months extra processing time, potential redesign costs
Professional Solution:
Formal neighbor consultation before submission
Best Practice: Written records of discussions and agreements
Mistake 4: Ignoring Local Planning Policies
Problem:
Applications refused for policy non-compliance
Cost Impact:
£528+ resubmission fees plus professional redesign
Professional Solution:
Thorough policy review and compliance assessment
Research Required: Local plan, supplementary guidance, neighborhood plans
Mistake 5: Applying When Permission Not Required
Problem:
40% of applicants don't need planning permission
Cost Impact:
£528 completely wasted plus 8-week unnecessary delay
Professional Solution:
Permitted development assessment first
Free Check: Planning Portal interactive house tool
Professional Help: When It's Worth the Investment
DIY vs Professional Success Comparison
| Factor | DIY Application | Professional Help |
|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | 60-70% | 95-98% |
| Average Total Cost | £1,000-£2,000 | £4,000-£8,000 |
| Time Investment | 40-80 hours | 5-10 hours |
| Stress Level | High | Low |
| Resubmission Risk | 30-40% | 2-5% |
| Appeal Risk | 15-25% | <5% |
When Professional Help Always Pays Off
Mandatory Professional Involvement:
- Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, II)
- Conservation areas with complex requirements
- Green Belt locations
- Previously refused applications
- Extensions over £100,000 value
High-Value Professional Consultation:
- First-time applicants
- Complex or unusual designs
- Neighbor objection anticipated
- Tight timescales for completion
- Commercial or rental property implications
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Professional Investment:
- Professional fees: £3,000-£6,000 typical
- Success rate: 95% vs 65% DIY
- Time saving: 30-70 hours
- Stress reduction: Significant
DIY Risk Costs:
- Resubmission: £528 + 8 weeks delay
- Redesign costs: £500-£2,000
- Time investment: 40-80 hours
- Appeal costs: £1,056 + 6-8 months
Break-even calculation: Professional help pays for itself if DIY failure risk exceeds 15-20%
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Planning Permission
How much does planning permission cost in 2025?
Planning permission costs £528 for householder applications in 2025, representing a significant increase from previous years. Prior approval applications cost £172, while full planning applications start at £1,056. Additional professional costs typically range from £2,000-£8,000 for complete service including drawings, consultancy, and supporting documents.
How long does planning permission take in the UK?
Planning permission takes 8 weeks maximum for householder applications and up to 13 weeks for full applications. However, you should allow 4-6 weeks for preparation time, making the total process 12-19 weeks from start to approval. Extensions of time are possible by agreement.
Can I submit a planning application myself without professional help?
Yes, you can submit planning applications yourself, but DIY applications have 30-40% higher failure rates. You still need professional architectural drawings (mandatory requirement), so many people find full professional help more cost-effective given the higher success rates and time savings.
What happens if my planning application is refused?
If refused, you have several options: appeal to the Planning Inspectorate (£1,056 fee, 6-8 months process, 30-40% success rate), submit a revised application addressing refusal reasons (£528 fee), or abandon the project. Appeals should only be considered if you have strong grounds based on planning policy or procedure.
Do I need an architect for planning permission drawings?
While not legally required to use an architect specifically, you need professional drawings that comply with planning standards. These can be prepared by architects, architectural technicians, or planning consultants. 90% of DIY drawings get rejected at validation stage, making professional drawings essential for success.
Can I build without planning permission if it's permitted development?
Only if your project genuinely falls under permitted development rights and you've confirmed this through proper assessment. Building without required permission can result in enforcement action, stop notices, and expensive retrospective applications. Always verify your permitted development rights before starting work.
How do I know if I need planning permission for my extension?
Check if your project exceeds permitted development limits: single-storey extensions over 6m/8m deep, two-storey over 3m deep, any front extensions, or if you're in a conservation area or have a listed building. Use the Planning Portal's interactive house tool for an initial assessment, but consider professional advice for complex cases.
What documents do I need for a planning application?
Essential documents include completed application form, location plan (1:1250), site plan (1:500), existing and proposed floor plans/elevations, and the application fee. Supporting documents may include Design and Access Statement, Planning Statement, and technical assessments depending on the proposal and location.
How much do planning permission drawings cost?
Professional architectural drawings cost £1,500-£5,000 depending on project complexity. Simple extensions typically cost £1,500-£2,500, while complex two-storey extensions or conservation area projects cost £3,000-£5,000. This investment is essential as amateur drawings have a 90% rejection rate.
Can planning permission be revoked or expire?
Planning permission expires if you don't start work within 3 years of approval (some conditions may specify different timescales). It can be revoked in exceptional circumstances, but this is rare. Once you've started development according to the approved plans, permission generally cannot be revoked without compensation.
Get Professional Planning Permission Help
Maximize your approval chances with expert guidance. Our chartered planning consultants achieve 98% success rates through professional application preparation, strategic planning advice, and comprehensive project management.
Free Initial Services
Professional Planning Services
Why Choose Professional Help?
- •98% success rate vs 60-70% DIY applications
- •Save time: 40+ hours of research and preparation
- •Avoid costly mistakes: 30% of DIY applications require resubmission
- •Expert knowledge: 15+ years planning experience, 500+ successful applications
- •Risk-free guarantee: No approval, no final fee
Contact us today for your free planning permission assessment and join the 98% of our clients who achieve first-time approval.
Phone:
020 7946 0958
Email:
planning@multiply.build
Online:
www.multiply.build