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 Dunoon?
In Dunoon, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,500 for application management (council fees extra), including VAT at 20% (standard rate; planning application fees carry no VAT, council building control fees include VAT). Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £750–£2,500 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £2,500–£3,000 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Revisions requested by the council
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Type of application
- Planning conditions
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 Dunoon
The approval route for Dunoon is set by planning law in Scotland. In Scotland planning applications and building warrants are both made to the council, and the warrant must be granted before work starts.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical planning or building regulations application we handle:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Permitted development assessment
- Certificate of lawfulness applications
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Building control application and inspections
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
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 Dunoon
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Projects in Dunoon are taken on by arrangement. We confirm availability first, and any travel or accommodation costs are shown separately in the quote.
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
Drawings and documents
The drawings and forms the council and building control need.
- 04
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and deal with questions from the council or building control.
Questions about planning and building regulations applications in Dunoon
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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Dunoon?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Dunoon, including postcodes PA23. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Dunoon?
In Dunoon, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,500 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.
What about shared walls in Dunoon?
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
