The Government conducts periodic reviews of the planning system to ensure that local planning authorities are adequately resourced to process applications efficiently. As a result of these reviews, a new Statutory Instrument has been introduced and presented to Parliament to adjust planning fees.

For further details on the rationale behind the increase in planning application fees, please visit the official Government website: Gov.uk. Below, we have provided a summary of the key changes for your convenience.

Following considerable anticipation and a delay from the originally proposed timeline in 2024, the UK Government has officially confirmed that planning application fees will increase effective 1 April 2025. In certain cases, these fees are set to rise by up to 100%, which will have a substantial impact on homeowners, developers, and businesses alike. Below, we detail the key changes, include links to official resources, and provide guidance on how to prepare for these adjustments.

• Enlargement, improvement, or alteration of a single dwellinghouse: Fee increases from £258 to £528.
• Enlargement, improvement, or alteration of two or more dwellinghouses: Fee increases from £509 to £1,043.
• Householder developments related to small-scale operations (within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse): Fee remains at £258.

This represents a significant increase for individuals planning to extend or substantially modify their homes. If you are considering a project, submitting your application before the 1 April 2025 deadline could prove to be a more cost-effective approach.”

• Flat fee for prior approval applications without building operations: Increasing from £120 to £240.
• Flat fee for prior approval applications with building operations: Increasing from £258 to £516.
• Change of use of Class E uses to residential (Class MA of the GPDO): Fee increases from £125 per dwelling to £250 per dwelling.
• Prior approvals for constructing new dwellinghouses: No changes.
• Other prior approval applications involving change of use to residential (e.g., sui generis to residential under Class N, B8/industrial to residential under Class P/PA, Class Q agricultural conversions): No fee increase per dwelling.

This adjustment effectively doubles the cost of many prior approval applications. If your proposal falls within these categories, it is advisable to plan your budget accordingly to accommodate the increased fees.

A new three-tier fee structure applies to Section 73 (applications to vary or remove conditions on existing planning permissions):

• £86 for householder applications.
• £586 for non-major development.
• £2,000 for major development.

Developers pursuing modifications to previously approved permissions, particularly for major projects, will experience a significant rise in associated costs.

• Householder fee increases from £43 to £86.
• Other development fee increases from £145 to £298.

These costs, though often less publicised, are critical once planning permission has been secured. It is essential to factor in the potential doubling of fees when preparing your budget.

• The fee for submitting a Biodiversity Gain Plan rises from £145 to £298.

Amid the growing emphasis on biodiversity net gain, especially for larger developments, this fee adjustment represents a critical factor to consider in the overall cost planning of your project.

• Raising of base payment for applications over 50no. dwellings or for non-residential buildings more than 3,750sqm from £30,860 to £31,385 (plus £189 for each additional dwellinghouse or for each additional 75sqm of non-residential floorspace).
• Raising of base payment for agricultural development over 1,000 sqm (but below 4,215sqm) from £624 to £5,077.
• The Planning Portal service charge (flat rate) will also increase from £70 inc. VAT to £70.33 plus VAT.

Larger scale commercial or agricultural developments will face a significantly higher upfront financial commitment.

Review your project timeline: Where feasible, expedite your planning applications to avoid the upcoming fee increases.

Consult a planning professional: Given the higher fees, it is more important than ever to ensure your applications are comprehensive and accurate. Errors or omissions could result in expensive resubmissions.

Stay informed: Monitor Legislation.gov.uk for the final text of the Statutory Instrument and regularly check Gov.uk for official updates.

We are here to support you through these changes. If you have any questions or require assistance with your planning application, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

These fee increases represent the most substantial change in planning application costs in recent years, with some fees set to double overnight. Whether you are a homeowner or a large-scale developer, understanding and preparing for these changes will be essential to ensuring a smooth and cost-effective application process.

If you would like tailored advice or further clarification on how these new fees may impact your plans, please contact our expert planning team today. We are here to help you navigate the legislation and ensure the seamless progression of your next project.