April 1st Planning Fee Increase
April 1st Planning Fee Increase – If you were hoping that April 1st would bring a few lighthearted pranks and a bit of harmless fun, we’ve got some news that’s definitely not a joke. From April 1st, 2025, planning application fees in England are going up – and no, it’s not because the local council suddenly fancies a new coffee machine.
The government has announced a 50% increase in fees for major applications and a 50% increase for smaller applications, meaning those home extension dreams just got a little bit pricier before you’ve even laid the first brick. At Melrose Designs, we believe in keeping things straightforward – so here’s the lowdown on what this means for you and your future home projects.
What’s Changing?
The upcoming changes will see planning fees rise significantly across the board. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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- Householder applications (which cover most home extensions) are increasing from £258 to £528.
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- Full planning applications for new dwellings (per house) will jump from £509 to £1043.
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- Major developments will see the biggest jump, increasing by 50%.
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- Oh, and there’s now an annual inflation increase built into the system – because why stop at just one price hike?
Why Is This Happening?
Officially, the increase is intended to help local planning departments speed up application processing times and improve service quality. In reality? Well, let’s just say that if you’ve ever waited months for a response on a seemingly simple application, you might be wondering if the extra cash is really going to translate into faster decisions.
The idea is that better-funded planning departments will have more resources, meaning fewer delays. But as anyone who’s ever dealt with the joys of bureaucracy knows, optimism is a dangerous game.
What Can You Do About It?
The best way to avoid paying the higher fees? Get your application in before April 1st. If you’re already considering a home extension, loft conversion, or a garden outbuilding, now is the time to get the ball rolling.
At Melrose Designs, we specialise in planning applications, architectural drawings, and building control submissions – all of which are about to become slightly more expensive for no good reason. So, why wait? We can help you submit your application before the price hike kicks in!
How We Can Help
Here’s what we can do to make your life easier:
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- Fast-Track Planning Applications – We can get your plans ready and submitted before the deadline.
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- Expert Advice on Permitted Development – Some projects don’t even need planning permission, and we’ll tell you if yours qualifies.
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- Hassle-Free Process – We handle all the paperwork, so you don’t have to deal with the red tape.
Final Thoughts
We get it – planning fees aren’t exactly the most exciting topic. But if you’re thinking about a home extension, this small window of opportunity could save you money. After all, wouldn’t you rather spend that extra cash on a stunning kitchen extension than on admin fees?
So, if you’re ready to beat the price increase, get in touch with us today. Melrose Designs is here to help you plan smarter, not pay more. Act now, or risk letting bureaucracy take another chunk out of your budget!
Get Professional Extension Drawings with Melrose Designs
At Melrose Designs, we specialize in:
📜 Planning Permission Extension Drawings Billinge & St Helens
🏡 Architectural Drawings for Home Extensions
📏 Building Regulation Plans for Construction Approval
✔️ Expert Guidance Through Planning Applications
Why Choose Us?
✅ Fast & Professional Service – Ensuring smooth approvals & high-quality designs.
✅ Tailored Home Extensions – Custom plans that match your vision.
✅ Trusted in Wigan, St Helens, Wigan & Surrounding Areas
📞 Get in touch today to discuss your extension project!
