The team here at Simply Construction Group have been watching changes to the housing and planning rules brought in by the new Labour government over past few months. The latest changes have put into the House of Commons in the past few weeks and pertain to the planning permission fees.
The UK government is set to introduce significant increases to planning permission fees, with changes expected to take effect from 1 April 2025. The reforms, currently progressing through Parliament, will see householder planning application fees double, impacting homeowners looking to extend their properties. For new and prospective customers of the Simply Construction Group this increase will mean higher upfront costs when applying for planning permission.
What Are the Changes to Planning Fees?
If they progress through parliament the proposed increases will see:
- Householder planning application fees (for extensions and alterations) rise from £206 to £440 – more than double the current rate.
- Full planning applications for new housing developments increase by 35%.
- A 10% annual increase introduced from 2026 onwards, ensuring fees continue to rise in line with inflation.
- The removal of the “free-go” resubmission rule, meaning applicants will no longer get a second submission free of charge if their first is refused or withdrawn.
These changes are part of the government’s strategy to provide more funding for local planning departments, aiming to reduce delays and improve efficiency in the planning process.
Perhaps the most significant change to proposed fees is the introduction of a new three-tier structure for section 73 applications (minor material amendments). Until now, a flat fee (currently £293) has been applied to all Section 73 applications, irrespective of the size of development or the scale of amendments being made.
The New Planning Permission Charges in Detail
Under the new fee structure, fees for section 73 applications will be:
Section 73
– £86 for householder applications.
– £586 for non-major development
– £2,000 for major development.
Other change include:
Householder Applications
– Applications for alterations/extensions to an existing single dwellinghouse to increase from £258 to £528.
– Applications for alterations/extensions of two or more dwellinghouses to increase from £509 to £1,043.
– No change proposed for householder developments related to small-scale operations within the boundary of an existing dwellinghouse- remaining at £258).
Prior Approvals
– The flat fee for prior approval applications that don’t involve building operations is increasing from £120 to £240.
– The flat fee for prior approval applications that involve building operations is increasing from £258 to £516.
– The fee for prior approvals relating to the change of use of Class E to dwellinghouses (Class C3) (under Class MA of the GPDO) is increased from £125 per dwellinghouse to £250 per dwellinghouse.
How Will This Affect Simply Extend Customers?
These new costs will increase the expense of obtaining planning approval for homeowners thinking about adding on to their property. Larger or more complicated projects, such double-story expansions, wrap-around extensions, or developments in conservation zones, will be subject to these higher fees, even if some extensions are covered by authorised development and don’t require full planning clearance.
Furthermore, consumers will now be required to pay the entire amount for any changes if their application is denied, as the free resubmission regulation has been removed. This increases the significance of skilled planning and architectural support and makes it even more important to get the application correct the first time.
What Can Homeowners Do to Prepare?
- Apply Before April 2025 – If you’re considering a home extension, submitting your application before the new fees come into effect can save money.
- Ensure Your Application Is High-Quality – With resubmissions now chargeable, working with experienced architects and planning consultants, such as Simply Extend, can help secure approval the first time.
- Consider Permitted Development Options – Where possible, homeowners may opt for extensions that fall under permitted development to avoid planning fees altogether.
What it Means for People Planning an Extension
The increase in planning application fees will add to the costs of extending a home in the UK, particularly for those requiring full planning permission. Working with Simply Architects’ expert planners and submitting applications before April 2025 will be key to avoiding higher fees and unnecessary resubmission costs. If you’re planning a home extension, it is imperative to act quickly!
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