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 Sussex?
In West Sussex, 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 West Sussex. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Council fees
- Party wall surveyor appointments
- Revisions requested by the council
- 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 Sussex
Approvals for a planning or building regulations application in West Sussex follow the rules for 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
The work we manage on a planning or building regulations application:
- Permitted development assessment
- Building control application and inspections
- Build-over agreements with the water company
- Prior approval (larger home extension) in England
- Discharge of planning conditions
- Lawful development certificate 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 West Sussex
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Towns we cover in West Sussex include Crawley, Worthing, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Horsham and Haywards Heath.
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
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 West Sussex
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.
How much does a planning or building regulations application cost in West Sussex?
In West Sussex, 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.
Do you handle planning and building regulations applications in West Sussex?
Yes. We handle planning and building regulations applications across West Sussex, including postcodes BN11, BN12, BN13, BN14 and BN15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How long does a planning decision take?
Councils aim to decide most householder applications within 8 weeks.