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 Shirley?
In Shirley, 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). Building costs in the West Midlands are close to the UK average, so the figures for Shirley are close to our national guide. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Council fees
- Building control route
- Revisions requested by the council
- 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 Shirley
The approval route for Shirley 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Building control application and inspections
- Party wall notices
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Lawful development certificate applications
- 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 Shirley
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
We work across Shirley and neighbouring areas such as Solihull, Birmingham and Smethwick. Postcodes we cover in Shirley include B90.
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 Shirley
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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in Shirley?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across Shirley, including postcodes B90. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in Shirley?
In Shirley, 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.
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.