New Planning Application Fees from 1 April 2025 - No April Fool for Applicants
The new fees may have been introduced on April Fool’s Day, but for those submitting planning applications in England, the fee increases introduced on 1 April 2025 are very real – and they’re here to stay.
The government’s new planning fee structure, part of broader reforms to support local planning authorities, means significantly higher costs for most application types. For landowners, self-builders, and developers across Staffordshire and Cheshire, understanding and preparing for these changes is crucial.
At Croft Architecture, we’re already supporting our clients to navigate the changes and ensure that upcoming projects remain viable and well-managed.
Why Have Planning Fees Increased?
The revised fees aim to give local authorities more resources to improve the speed and quality of planning decisions. However, the impact on applicants is substantial – with fee increases of up to 35% for some categories and new rules for inflation-linked annual increases.
Previous vs New Planning Fees (Effective 1 April 2025)
| Application Type | Previous Fee (Until 1 April 2025) | New Fee (From 1 April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Outline (dwellings, 0.5–2.5 ha) | £624 per 0.1 ha | £635 per 0.1 ha |
| Outline (non-dwellings, 1–2.5 ha) | £624 per 0.1 ha | £635 per 0.1 ha |
| Outline (sites > 2.5 ha) | £15,433 + £186 per 0.1 ha over 2.5 ha (max £202,500) | £15,695 + £189 per 0.1 ha over 2.5 ha (max £205,943) |
| Full/Reserved Matters (10–50 dwellings) | £624 per dwelling | £635 per dwelling |
| Full/Reserved Matters (>50 dwellings) | £30,860 + £186 per dwelling over 50 (max £405,000) | £31,385 + £189 per dwelling over 50 (max £411,885) |
| Non-dwellings (1,000–3,750 sqm) | £624 per 75 sqm | £635 per 75 sqm |
| Non-dwellings (>3,750 sqm) | £30,680 + £186 per 75 sqm over 3,750 sqm (max £405,000) | £31,385 + £189 per 75 sqm over 3,750 sqm (max £411,885) |
| Other Operations (e.g. engineering works) | £293 per 0.1 ha (max £2,535) | £298 per 0.1 ha (max £2,578) |
What This Means for Your Project
Whether you're planning a new housing development in Stafford, converting farmland in Cheshire East, or extending your home in Stone, these changes may impact your timeline and budget.
That’s where we come in.
How Croft Architecture Can Help
We offer expert guidance to help you:
Understand Your Costs: Get a clear view of the planning fees relevant to your site and scale.
Plan Strategically: Time your application and design work to align with your goals and budget.
Navigate the Planning Process: We handle submissions, liaise with planning authorities, and reduce the risk of costly delays.
Let’s Get Your Project Moving
Whether you’re developing a brownfield site, building your dream home, or investing in commercial space, planning applications are a vital step – and more costly than ever.
Based in Staffordshire and working across Cheshire, we help clients unlock the potential of their land and buildings, even in a shifting planning landscape.
📞 Get in touch with Croft Architecture today to book your free consultation.
Let’s make sure your application is ready for success – no surprises.
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