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Planning Fees Are Changing on 8 December: What You Need to Know
If you are planning to submit a planning application soon, timing matters. Subject to parliamentary approval, new regulations are due to come into force on 8 December 2026 and will apply to applications made on or after that date. Anything submitted before then is charged under current rates.
Who Decided, and Why?
The decision comes from central government through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Figures put the gap between what local councils spend processing applications and what they receive in fees at roughly £330 million a year.
The aim is for statutory fees to cover about 90% of councils' costs, supporting better-resourced planning departments—though the government acknowledged smaller developers may feel the financial impact.
📊 What Does It Mean in Practice?
Rises vary by project type. A householder application goes up by around 8%, while a Section 73 application on a major development rises by just over 50%. Key examples include:
- • Householder alterations/extensions: Rises from £548 to £575.
- • Larger single-storey rear extension: Rises from £249 to £310.
- • Householder discharge of conditions: Rises from £89 to £125.
- • New homes (fewer than 10): Rises from £610 to £752 per dwelling.
Note: The government has not reintroduced the "free go" for repeat applications, and there is no new fee for planning appeals. Local councils will also gain powers to vary fees locally by up to 30% in subsequent reforms.
⚠️ Should You Rush Your Submission?
Don't submit a rushed, half-prepared application just to beat the 8 December deadline. A planning refusal or invalid application caused by poor drawings or missing documents will cost far more in time and extra fees than the difference you save on the fee rise.
Where to check the details:
- ✓ The government's consultation response on GOV.UK ("Fees for planning applications")
- ✓ Draft regulations on legislation.gov.uk
- ✓ The official Planning Portal fee calculator
- ✓ Planning Advisory Service (PAS) council-side updates
Need Help Getting It Right First Time?
Kippen Ash can advise on whether your application is ready, confirm which fee applies, and help you avoid costly submission delays.
Email enquiries@kippenash.co.uk