What is a planning or building regulations application?
Planning permission decides whether a project can be built; building regulations decide how it must be built. Most extensions, lofts and conversions need building regulations approval even when planning permission is not required.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,250 for application management (council fees extra), including VAT at 20% (standard rate; planning application fees carry no VAT, council building control fees include VAT). That range is adjusted for Northern Ireland, where domestic building work typically costs around 14% below the national average. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £750–£2,250 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £2,250–£2,750 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Planning conditions
- Council fees
- Revisions requested by the council
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Planning and building regulations in Antrim
Approvals for a planning or building regulations application in Antrim follow the rules for Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland planning applications go to one of the 11 councils, which also provide building control.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Certificate of lawfulness applications
- Building control application and inspections
- Planning or householder applications
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Discharge of planning conditions
How long does it take?
Allow about 8 weeks for a householder planning decision (two months in Scotland). If the drawings are for a planning application, add the council’s decision period once they are submitted.
Building in Antrim
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
If your home is in Antrim or close by in Ballymena, Newtownabbey and Belfast, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, talk through what you want and record the existing building.
- 02
Design options
Sketch layouts to agree the approach before detailed drawing starts.
- 03
Application drawings
Plans, elevations and supporting documents prepared for the council.
- 04
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and deal with questions from the council or building control.
Questions about planning and building regulations applications in Antrim
What happens if I build without approval?
The council can take enforcement action, and missing approvals cause problems when selling. It is always better to get approvals first.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Antrim?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Antrim, including postcodes BT41. Every project starts with a free home visit.
What about shared walls in Antrim?
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,250 for application management (council fees extra), including VAT at 20% (standard rate; planning application fees carry no VAT, council building control fees include VAT). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
What is a certificate of lawfulness?
A certificate from the council confirming that a project is permitted development. It is optional but useful when selling the house.