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 County Armagh?
In County Armagh, 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 Northern Ireland run about 14% below the UK average, and the figures for County Armagh 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:
- Planning conditions
- Revisions requested by the council
- Building control route
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Planning and building regulations in County Armagh
Approvals for a planning or building regulations application in County Armagh follow the rules for Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland planning applications go to one of the 11 councils, which also provide building control.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical planning or building regulations application we handle:
- Certificate of lawfulness applications
- Planning or householder applications
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Permitted development assessment
- Discharge of planning conditions
- 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 County Armagh
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Towns we cover in County Armagh include Craigavon, Portadown and Armagh.
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 County Armagh
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.
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.
What about shared walls in County Armagh?
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in County Armagh?
In County Armagh, 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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in County Armagh?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across County Armagh, including postcodes BT35, BT60, BT61, BT62 and BT63. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.