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 Bermondsey?
In Bermondsey, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £1,000–£3,250 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 London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Bermondsey are adjusted to reflect that. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £1,000–£3,250 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £3,250–£4,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Planning conditions
- Revisions requested by the council
- Type of application
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 Bermondsey
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical planning or building regulations application we handle:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Permitted development assessment
- Planning or householder applications
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Building control application and inspections
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
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 Bermondsey
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
We work across Bermondsey and neighbouring areas such as Peckham, Westminster and Greenwich. Postcodes we cover in Bermondsey include SE1 and SE16.
How it works
- 01
Measured survey
We visit and measure the house so the drawings start from accurate information.
- 02
Concept design
Options for layout and appearance, revised until you are happy.
- 03
Drawings and documents
The drawings and forms the council and building control need.
- 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 Bermondsey
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Bermondsey?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Bermondsey, including postcodes SE1 and SE16. 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.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
In England and Wales, if your work affects a shared wall, boundary or nearby foundations, notices must be served. Neighbours can consent or appoint surveyors.
What is a lawful development certificate?
A certificate from the council confirming that a project is permitted development. It is optional but useful when selling the house.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Bermondsey?
In Bermondsey, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £1,000–£3,250 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.
