Understanding the cost of applying for planning permission is one of the most important steps before beginning any architectural project. Whether you're planning a house extension, building a new home, converting a loft, or launching a commercial development, you need to know what you're likely to pay in planning fees. At dRAW Architecture, we've created this Planning Application Fee Calculator to give you a quick, accurate estimate based on your project details, helping you plan with confidence and avoid surprises.

Our intuitive tool considers your location (England, Wales, or Scotland), your project type, and the scale of your build. Within seconds, you’ll have a realistic idea of what the application fee could cost, plus useful insights, guidance, and recommendations from our expert team. If you're asking "How much is a planning application?" or looking for a trusted UK planning fee calculator, you're in the right place.

🧭 How to Use Our Planning Application Fee Calculator

Using our free calculator is quick, easy, and requires no personal information. It’s been specifically developed to reflect the UK planning system, including local authority fee guidance and development types common across England, Scotland, and Wales. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Choose your location: Different UK nations apply slightly different planning rules and fee scales. Select England, Scotland, or Wales from the dropdown menu.
   
   
2. Select the project type: Whether it’s a residential extension, a new build home, a commercial unit, or a flat conversion, each carries a different planning fee.
   
   
3. Enter your floor area in square metres (m²): The size of the proposed development directly influences your fee, especially for new builds and commercial projects.
   
   
4. Click ‘Calculate Fee’: Instantly receive an estimate, a detailed breakdown, and a visual pie chart showing how your fee compares to other associated costs.
   
   

This tool is designed for homeowners, developers, landlords, and anyone navigating planning permission in the UK. At dRAW Architecture, we built this with the needs of our clients in mind, simplifying the planning permission fee UK landscape and providing real-time, useful insights.

💷 Planning Application Fee Estimate

Once you input your project details, the calculator generates a clear, upfront estimate. Fees vary based on project type, location, and size. Here's a simplified example of what the calculator might return:

Project Type

Area (m²)

Location

Estimated Fee

Rear Extension

30

England

£206

New Build Home

250

Scotland

£485

Flat Conversion

-

Wales

£440

Commercial Development

400

England

£980

Our estimate includes:

• Planning application submission fee
  
  
• Regional adjustments (e.g. Wales may offer lower fees; Scotland, slightly higher)
  
  
• Indicative design/admin costs for context (shown in the pie chart)
  
  

At dRAW Architecture, we ensure our fee calculator is regularly updated to reflect current regulations and national fee schedules. For projects exceeding 250m², additional fee multipliers are applied, in line with 2025 planning fee updates.

📋 What’s Included in This Calculation?

Our calculator provides an indicative fee based on official planning submission charges set by local authorities across the UK. Here’s what is and isn’t included:

✅ Included:

• Planning application fee (based on project size/type)
  
  
• Basic admin costs (for submission and handling)
  
  
• Average estimates aligned with Planning Portal and devolved administrations
  
  

We created this UK planning fee calculator not as a complete project quote, but as a helpful guide to start your budgeting. For exact costs, especially on larger or more complex schemes, we always recommend speaking to one of our architects at dRAW Architecture.

🧠 Recommendations Based on Your Result

After receiving your planning application fee estimate, we offer tailored recommendations based on your project details. These may include:

• Whether your project might qualify for Permitted Development Rights, saving you the application fee altogether.
  
  
• Whether a Pre-Application Advice submission would be beneficial.
  
  
• Which RIBA Planning Stage you are at (feasibility, concept design, etc.)
  
  
• Suggestions to streamline the process or avoid planning refusal
  
  

At dRAW Architecture, we believe in giving you more than just numbers; we want to guide you through the process from idea to approval. Book a free consultation through our calculator page and get expert guidance on your next steps.

🏠 When Do You Need Planning Permission?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I need planning permission?” The answer depends on the type, size, and location of your proposed development.

You likely do need planning permission if:

• You live in a conservation area or listed building
  
  
• You’re building a new dwelling
  
  
• You’re converting a commercial unit to residential use
  
  
• You’re making external changes to flats or subdividing them
  
  

You may not need it if:

• Your extension falls under Permitted Development (e.g. rear single-storey within limits)
  
  
• You're only changing internal layouts in a standard house
  
  
• You’re adding roof lights or small porches
  
  

To be sure, consult with an architect. At dRAW Architecture, we offer free initial assessments to determine whether your project needs permission, and if so, how to achieve it efficiently.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a planning application in the UK?

The cost ranges from £206 for a standard extension to £462+ for new builds. Commercial projects may reach £1,000 or more, depending on floor area.

Is planning permission free for house extensions?

No, planning permission is not free. However, if your project qualifies under Permitted Development Rights, you may not need to apply or pay.

What are planning permission fees in London?

London follows England’s national fee schedule, but some boroughs charge for Pre-App Advice or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on top of planning fees.

Can you apply for planning yourself or do you need an architect?

You can apply yourself via the Planning Portal, but many applications fail due to technical errors. An architect ensures compliant drawings, correct forms, and stronger approval chances.

How long does a planning application take?

Standard applications take 8–10 weeks, but complex or listed developments may require 12+ weeks. It’s best to plan early and factor this into your project timeline.

🏆 Why Use dRAW Architecture for Your Planning Application?

At dRAW Architecture, we specialise in bespoke residential and commercial design, planning applications, and listed building consent across the UK. With offices in London, Cheshire, and Edinburgh, we understand regional planning rules and maintain close relationships with local planning authorities.

Why clients trust us:

• We simplify the planning process using clear tools like this fee calculator
  
  
• We offer fixed-fee design packages and full-service RIBA stage delivery
  
  
• We’ve achieved planning approval on projects where others have failed
  
  
• Our designs are thoughtful, sustainable, and tailored to your lifestyle
  
  

Visit our portfolio or book a free consultation to get started.

📞 Book a Free Planning Consultation

Not sure how to proceed after calculating your fee? Our team is here to help. We offer a free 20-minute planning advice call to review your project, assess your result, and recommend the most efficient route forward.

Book your free planning consultation

Bring your calculator results with you, and we’ll discuss your next steps, from concept to consent.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This planning application fee calculator is a guide only and reflects common fee structures across England, Wales, and Scotland. Actual fees may vary depending on the specifics of your local planning authority, the nature of your project, and any additional services or documents required. Always consult directly with your architect or planning consultant for a final cost estimate.