Heather Campbell
If you plan on building or extending a house in the UK; this is your comprehensive guide to what you can expect to pay in your own region.
In this article we cover:
- How much you will pay for planning permission fees
- How much you will pay for building control fees
Local authority fees UK
Starting a self-build or renovation journey is exciting, but dealing with local authority fees in the UK can be overwhelming. Whether you’re building in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, grasping these fees is vital for managing your project budget and planning effectively.
As you dive into the process of building your home, it’s important to understand the financial impact of local council charges. Whether you’re experienced in construction or new to self-building, preparing for these expenses will help you avoid surprises and keep your project on track.
Planning Permission Fees
Planning permission costs vary across the UK and depend on the type of application you’re submitting, as well as the location of your property. As of April 1, 2025, fees have increased, so it’s worth knowing what to expect before you begin the process.
[adrotate banner="58"]In England, submitting a full planning application now costs £588. If you’re planning to alter or extend your home, the fee comes in slightly lower at £528. For those applying for outline planning permission — typically used to gauge whether a development might be acceptable in principle — the cost is £588 per 0.1 hectare for sites smaller than half a hectare. For larger sites, between 0.5 and 2.5 hectares, the fee increases to £635 per 0.1 hectare. If you’re making minor changes to your house, such as a small extension or loft conversion, the householder application fee is £262.
Over the border in Scotland, a full planning application will set you back £691. For home improvements or extensions, the fee is £346. Those applying for planning permission in principle — similar to outline planning — will also pay £691.
In Wales, the cost of submitting a full planning application is £460. If you’re altering or extending your home, you’ll pay £230. Outline planning permission follows a similar structure to England, costing £460 per 0.1 hectare for sites up to 2.5 hectares.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the fee to extend a home is currently £347. If you’re planning to build a new house, an outline application costs £515, while a full application is priced at £1,035.
Building Control Fees
Building control costs do vary from one council to another, as they’re typically set by the local authority based on the size, type and complexity of the work. Here’s a general overview to get you started:
England & Wales
Local authorities set their own building control charges, but they’re usually based on national guidance.
For a typical 3 – 4 bed detached self-build, expect:
- Plan check (application) fee: £200–£300
- Site inspection fee: £500–£900
- Total: £700–£1,200 (can go higher for large or complex homes)
For extensions (e.g., single-storey rear extension):
- Plan check fee: £150–£250
- Inspection fee: £300–£600
- Total: £450–£850 (depending on size and complexity)
Private Approved Inspectors (an alternative to council services) may charge similar or slightly more, but offer fixed quotes and more flexibility.
Fees are often lower if you submit a full plans application rather than a building notice.
Most local councils publish their building control fee scales on their websites or you contact your local building control department directly by phone or email.
Scotland
Called a building warrant, not building control. Charges are calculated based on the value of the work.
For example:
- Estimated build cost of £150,000 (new build): warrant fee around £1,000–£1,200
- For extensions valued at £30,000–£50,000: expect fees in the region of £300–£500
You can use the Scottish Building Standards fee calculator to estimate exact amounts.
Northern Ireland
- Controlled by local councils.
- Like in England/Wales, fees depend on the size and type of work.
- For a standard self-build:
- Expect to pay £700–£1,000+ in total
- For extensions (e.g., kitchen or rear extension):
- Expect to pay £400–£700
- There’s usually a plan check fee plus inspection charges.
- Some councils list fees online (e.g., Belfast City Council), but others prefer a phone or email enquiry.
