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 West Glamorgan?
In West 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). The guide for West Glamorgan reflects typical costs in Wales, roughly 8% below the UK-wide figure. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Revisions requested by the council
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Building control route
- 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 West 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most planning and building regulations applications:
- Party wall notices
- Lawful development certificate applications
- Permitted development assessment
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Building control application and inspections
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 West Glamorgan
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
Towns we cover in West Glamorgan include Swansea, Neath, Gorseinon and Clydach.
How it works
- 01
Measured survey
We visit and measure the house so the drawings start from accurate information.
- 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 West Glamorgan
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in West Glamorgan?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across West Glamorgan, including postcodes SA1, SA10, SA11, SA12 and SA13. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in West Glamorgan?
In West 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 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.
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.
