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 Crowborough?
In Crowborough, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,750 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 the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Crowborough are adjusted to reflect that. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £750–£2,750 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £2,750–£3,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Planning conditions
- Revisions requested by the council
- Type of application
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 Crowborough
The approval route for Crowborough is set by planning law 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical planning or building regulations application we handle:
- Permitted development assessment
- Planning or householder applications
- Building control application and inspections
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Party wall notices
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 Crowborough
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Our Crowborough coverage includes postcode districts TN6, and we also work in nearby places such as Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield and East Grinstead.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, talk through what you want and record the existing building.
- 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 Crowborough
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.
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.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Crowborough?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Crowborough, including postcodes TN6. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Crowborough?
In Crowborough, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,750 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.
