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 Hemel Hempstead?
In Hemel Hempstead, 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). Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Hemel Hempstead. 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Planning conditions
- Revisions requested by the council
- Council fees
- Party wall surveyor appointments
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 Hemel Hempstead
The approval route for Hemel Hempstead 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Permitted development assessment
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Planning or householder applications
- Lawful development certificate applications
- 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 Hemel Hempstead
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Hemel Hempstead sits in Hertfordshire, about 16 miles west of Hertford. We cover the whole of Hemel Hempstead, including postcodes HP3.
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
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 Hemel Hempstead
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Hemel Hempstead?
In Hemel Hempstead, 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.
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.
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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Hemel Hempstead?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Hemel Hempstead, including postcodes HP3. 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.