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 Ashton-under-Lyne?
In Ashton-under-Lyne, 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). Building costs in the North West run about 6% below the UK average, and the figures for Ashton-under-Lyne are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Council fees
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Revisions requested by the council
- Type of application
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Planning and building regulations in Ashton-under-Lyne
Here is how the rules work for a planning or building regulations application in England. In England householder applications, lawful development certificates and prior approvals for larger home extensions go to the local planning authority. Building control can be the council or a registered building control approver.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Party wall notices
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Permitted development assessment
- Lawful development certificate applications
- Building control application and inspections
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 Ashton-under-Lyne
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Our Ashton-under-Lyne coverage includes postcode districts OL7, and we also work in nearby places such as Dukinfield, Stalybridge and Droylsden.
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
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about planning and building regulations applications in Ashton-under-Lyne
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Ashton-under-Lyne?
In Ashton-under-Lyne, 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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Ashton-under-Lyne?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Ashton-under-Lyne, including postcodes OL7. Every project starts with a free home visit.
What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
Planning permission controls what you build and how it looks and affects neighbours. Building regulations control how it is built: structure, fire safety, insulation and drainage.
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.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
