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 Cardiff?
In Cardiff, 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 Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Cardiff 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Council fees
- Planning conditions
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Building control route
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 Cardiff
Here is how the rules work for a planning or building regulations application in Wales. In Wales applications go to the local planning authority, and building control can be the council or a registered building control approver.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Planning or householder applications
- Building control application and inspections
- Party wall notices
- Lawful development certificate applications
- Permitted development assessment
- Build-over agreements with the water company
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 Cardiff
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
From CF10 outwards, we take on projects throughout Cardiff and the surrounding parts of South Glamorgan.
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
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 Cardiff
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, 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.
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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Cardiff?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Cardiff, including postcodes CF10, CF11, CF14 and CF15. 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 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.