How much does planning permission cost?
The planning application fee is set nationally, but the real cost includes drawings and any specialist reports. Estimate the total below.
What planning actually costs
- 1The application fee
A statutory fee set nationally by application type (householder, full, change of use). Check the current published figure.
- 2Drawings and documents
Most applications need scaled existing/proposed drawings and a location plan — usually the biggest part of the cost.
- 3Specialist reports
Some sites need ecology, flood-risk, heritage or arboricultural reports, each adding to the total.
Planning is a soft cost and a timeline risk rolled into one. The fee is small; the drawings, any reports and the weeks of determination are the real budget lines — and a refusal can reshape the whole deal, so price and programme it properly.
Planning permission costs (indicative)
| Item | Basis | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Householder application fee | statutory | ~£250 – £600 |
| Full (new dwelling) fee | statutory per unit | higher |
| Drawings for the application | fixed | £800 – £2,000 |
| Specialist reports (each) | if required | £300 – £1,500 |
Statutory fees are set by government and change periodically — check the current fee for your application type.
Frequently asked questions
How much does planning permission cost?+
The statutory householder application fee is modest (around £250–£600), but the real cost is the drawings (£800–£2,000) and any specialist reports (£300–£1,500 each). Budget £600–£3,000+ all-in for a typical domestic application.
Do I always need planning permission?+
Many works fall under permitted development and don't need an application — but Article 4 areas, conservation areas, flats and changes of use often do. Confirm with your local authority before assuming.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.