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 Grantham?
In Grantham, 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). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the East Midlands, where labour and materials are typically about 5% below average. 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:
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Council fees
- Planning conditions
- Revisions requested by the council
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Planning and building regulations in Grantham
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Building control application and inspections
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Planning or householder applications
- Permitted development assessment
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 Grantham
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
From NG31 outwards, we take on projects throughout Grantham and the surrounding parts of Lincolnshire.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, talk through what you want and record the existing building.
- 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 Grantham
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Grantham?
In Grantham, 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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Grantham?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Grantham, including postcodes NG31. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
In England and Wales, if your work affects a shared wall, boundary or nearby foundations, notices must be served. Neighbours can consent or appoint surveyors.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
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.