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 Camden?
In Camden, 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 Camden 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:
- Revisions requested by the council
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Building control route
- 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 Camden
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.
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:
- Building control application and inspections
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Permitted development assessment
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Lawful development certificate 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 Camden
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
Camden sits in Greater London, about 2 miles north of central London. We cover the whole of Camden, including postcodes N1C, NW1W, NW3 and NW26.
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
Drawings and documents
The drawings and forms the council and building control need.
- 04
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about planning and building regulations applications in Camden
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 Camden?
In Camden, 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.
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 you handle planning and building regulations applications in Camden?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Camden, including postcodes N1C, NW1W, NW3 and NW26. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.