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 Oban?
In Oban, 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Revisions requested by the council
- Type of application
- Council fees
- Planning conditions
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Planning and building regulations in Oban
Before anything is built in Oban, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland planning applications and building warrants are both made to the council, and the warrant must be granted before work starts.
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Permitted development assessment
- Planning or householder applications
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Building control application and inspections
- Certificate of lawfulness applications
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 Oban
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Projects in Oban 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
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
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 Oban
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Oban?
In Oban, 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 Oban?
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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Oban?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Oban, including postcodes PA34. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
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.
