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 Broxburn?
In Broxburn, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,500 for application management (council fees extra), including VAT at 20% (standard rate; planning application fees carry no VAT, council building control fees include VAT). Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Broxburn reflects that. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £750–£2,500 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £2,500–£3,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Revisions requested by the council
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Council fees
- Building control route
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 Broxburn
The approval route for Broxburn is set by planning law in Scotland. In Scotland planning applications and building warrants are both made to the council, and the warrant must be granted before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Planning or householder applications
- Permitted development assessment
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Certificate of lawfulness applications
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 Broxburn
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
From EH52 outwards, we take on projects throughout Broxburn and the surrounding parts of the Lothians.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, talk through what you want and record the existing building.
- 02
Concept design
Options for layout and appearance, revised until you are happy.
- 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 Broxburn
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
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 much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Broxburn?
In Broxburn, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,500 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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Broxburn?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Broxburn, including postcodes EH52. Every project starts with a free home visit.
What about shared walls in Broxburn?
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
