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 Brighton?
In Brighton, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,750 for application management (council fees extra), including VAT at 20% (standard rate; planning application fees carry no VAT, council building control fees include VAT). The guide for Brighton reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £750–£2,750 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £2,750–£3,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Building control route
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Planning conditions
- Council fees
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Planning and building regulations in Brighton
The approval route for Brighton is set by planning law 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical planning or building regulations application we handle:
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Permitted development assessment
- Planning or householder applications
- Party wall notices
- 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 Brighton
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
If your home is in Brighton or close by in Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Measured survey
We visit and measure the house so the drawings start from accurate information.
- 02
Design options
Sketch layouts to agree the approach before detailed drawing starts.
- 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 Brighton
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Brighton?
In Brighton, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,750 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 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.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Brighton?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Brighton, including postcodes BN2. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.