Local Authority Planning Fees Double

Title: Local Authority Planning Fees Set to Double in April 2025: What You Need to Know

Starting 1 April 2025, planning application fees in England will see significant increases, with some fees doubling. This change aims to address a substantial funding shortfall in local planning departments and ensure that planning services are adequately resourced.(Charnwood Borough Council, theplanner.co.uk)

📈 Why Are Fees Doubling?

The government has acknowledged a national funding shortfall of approximately £362 million for local planning authorities. To bridge this gap, planning application fees are being increased, particularly for householder applications, which constitute over half of all planning decisions. The fee for a single dwellinghouse application will rise from £258 to £528, while applications for two or more dwellinghouses will increase from £509 to £1,043. (Hansard, theplanner.co.uk)

🔧 Breakdown of Key Fee Changes

• Householder Applications:

  • Single dwellinghouse: £258 → £528

  • Two or more dwellinghouses: £509 → £1,043(theplanner.co.uk)

• Prior Approval Applications:

  • No building operations: £120 → £240

  • Involving building operations: £258 → £516

  • Change of use to residential (Class MA): £125 → £250 per dwellinghouse(Irwin Mitchell)

• Discharge of Conditions:

  • Householder development: £43 → £86

  • Other development: £145 → £298(Planning Portal Blog)

• Variation or Removal of Conditions (Section 73 Applications):

  • Householder development: £293 → £86

  • Non-major development: £293 → £586

  • Major development: £293 → £2,000(Planning Portal Blog, tunbridgewells.gov.uk)

These adjustments reflect the actual costs incurred by local authorities in processing various types of planning applications. (Planning Portal Blog)

🧾 Annual Inflationary Increases

From 1 April 2025, planning fees will be subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) from the preceding September, with a cap of 10%. This mechanism ensures that fees retain their real-terms value and provide a sustainable funding source for local planning services. (GOV.UK, Hansard)

🏘️ Implications for Homeowners and Developers

• Increased Costs: Homeowners and developers will face higher upfront costs for planning applications, particularly for householder developments.(theplanner.co.uk)

• Improved Services: The additional revenue is intended to enhance the capacity of local planning authorities, leading to more efficient processing of applications and potentially faster decision-making.(theplanner.co.uk)

• Potential Impact on Small Builders: Smaller developers may experience financial strain due to the increased fees, potentially affecting the viability of certain projects. (The Times)

✅ What Should You Do Next?

• Review Upcoming Applications: If you have plans to submit a planning application, consider doing so before 1 April 2025 to take advantage of the current fee structure.

• Budget Accordingly: Adjust your project budgets to account for the increased planning fees.

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any further changes to planning fees and regulations by regularly checking official government resources.

The doubling of planning application fees represents a significant shift in the funding landscape for local planning authorities. While the increased costs may pose challenges, the intended outcome is a more robust and efficient planning system that can better serve communities and support sustainable development.(CLA)