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 Portslade?
In Portslade, 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 South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Portslade. 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:
- Planning conditions
- Type of application
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Revisions requested by the council
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 Portslade
Here is how the rules work for a planning or building regulations application 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
The work we manage on a planning or building regulations application:
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Permitted development assessment
- Building control application and inspections
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Party wall notices
- Planning or householder 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 Portslade
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Projects in Portslade (BN41) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about planning and building regulations applications in Portslade
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Portslade?
In Portslade, 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.
Who carries out building control?
Either the council’s building control service or, in England and Wales, a private building control body registered to do the work. In Scotland and Northern Ireland building control is provided by the council.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Portslade?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Portslade, including postcodes BN41. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
