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 Islington?
In Islington, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £1,000–£3,250 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 London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Islington. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £1,000–£3,250 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £3,250–£4,000 |
What moves the price most:
- Building control route
- Revisions requested by the council
- Type of application
- Planning conditions
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 Islington
Before anything is built in Islington, 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
The work we manage on a planning or building regulations application:
- Building control application and inspections
- Planning or householder applications
- Party wall notices
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- 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 Islington
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Projects in Islington (EC1P, EC4P, EC50 and N1) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about planning and building regulations applications in Islington
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.
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 Islington?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Islington, including postcodes EC1P, EC4P, EC50 and N1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Islington?
In Islington, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £1,000–£3,250 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.
