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 Seaham?
In Seaham, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,250 for application management (council fees extra), including VAT at 20% (standard rate; planning application fees carry no VAT, council building control fees include VAT). Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for Seaham are adjusted to reflect that. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Application management (council fees extra) | £750–£2,250 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £2,250–£2,750 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Council fees
- Planning conditions
- Type of application
- Party wall surveyor appointments
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 Seaham
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical planning or building regulations application we handle:
- Building control application and inspections
- Party wall notices
- Lawful development certificate applications
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Permitted development assessment
- Discharge of planning conditions
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 Seaham
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Seaham sits in County Durham, about 10 miles north-east of Durham. We cover the whole of Seaham, including postcodes SR7.
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 Seaham
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.
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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Seaham?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Seaham, including postcodes SR7. 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 much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Seaham?
In Seaham, a planning or building regulations application typically costs £750–£2,250 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.