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 Essex?
In Essex, 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 East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Essex 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Planning conditions
- Type of application
- Revisions requested by the council
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 Essex
Before anything is built in Essex, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued 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
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Party wall notices
- Planning or householder applications
- Lawful development certificate applications
- Permitted development assessment
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- 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 Essex
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Towns we cover in Essex include Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester, Chelmsford, Harlow and Grays.
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
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 Essex
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.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Essex?
In Essex, 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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Essex?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Essex, including postcodes CB10, CB11, CB21, CB9 and CM0. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.