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 South Glamorgan?
In South Glamorgan, 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). That range is adjusted for Wales, where domestic building work typically costs around 8% below the national average. 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:
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Type of application
- Council fees
- Building control route
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 South Glamorgan
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Wales. In Wales applications go to the local planning authority, and building control can be the council or a registered building control approver.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Party wall notices
- Planning or householder applications
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Building control application and inspections
- Permitted development assessment
- Build-over agreements with the water company
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 South Glamorgan
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
Towns we cover in South Glamorgan include Cardiff, Barry and Penarth.
How it works
- 01
Measured survey
We visit and measure the house so the drawings start from accurate information.
- 02
Design options
Sketch layouts to agree the approach before detailed drawing starts.
- 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 South Glamorgan
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in South Glamorgan?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across South Glamorgan, including postcodes CF3, CF32, CF35, CF5 and CF61. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in South Glamorgan?
In South Glamorgan, 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.
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.
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.