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 Catford?
In Catford, 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). Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Catford. 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Building control route
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Council fees
- Revisions requested by the council
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 Catford
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.
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Planning or householder applications
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Party wall notices
- Building control application and inspections
- Lawful development certificate applications
- Discharge of planning conditions
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 Catford
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Our Catford coverage includes postcode districts SE6, and we also work in nearby places such as Forest Hill, Lewisham and Blackheath.
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
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 Catford
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Catford?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Catford, including postcodes SE6. 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.
Who carries out building control?
Either the council’s building control service or, in England and Wales, a private building control body registered to do the work. In Scotland and Northern Ireland building control is provided by the council.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Catford?
In Catford, 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.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.