There have recently been significant developments in the planning landscape that could impact your upcoming projects. A noteworthy update on planning fee changes!
National Planning Fee Increase
After thorough debates in Parliament, the Town and Country Planning Fees (for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 were approved and officially made on November 8th. The full regulations can be viewed at the link below.
So, what do these regulations entail?
Fee Adjustments: Planning application fees are set to increase by 35% for major development applications and 25% for all other types of applications.
Annual Indexation: Starting from April 1, 2025, an annual indexation of planning application fees will be introduced, capped at 10%.
Changes to Fee Exemptions: The 'free-go' exemption for repeat applications is no longer applicable. However, applicants can still benefit from a free-go if their application was withdrawn or refused in the preceding 12 months, provided all other conditions for the free-go are met.
Planning Guarantee Adjustment: The Planning Guarantee for non-major planning applications will be reduced from 26 to 16 weeks.
New Prior Approval Fee: A new prior approval fee of £120 will be introduced for applications related to development by the Crown on closed defence sites.
Effective Date: December 6, 2023
The new fees are set to come into force from the beginning of December 6, 2023. This gives you a heads-up to factor in these changes as you plan and budget for your future projects.
It's essential to note that despite the changes, applicants still have the opportunity to benefit from a free-go under certain conditions. If your application has been refused or withdrawn in the preceding 12 months, you can seize this opportunity, ensuring compliance with all other conditions for the free-go.
As the landscape of planning fees undergoes these adjustments, it's crucial to stay informed and adapt your strategies accordingly. Keep an eye on future developments and ensure your projects align with the latest regulations to navigate the ever-evolving terrain of planning applications.
We'll be here to keep you updated on any further developments and provide insights into navigating these changes. Stay tuned, and happy planning! 🏡✨
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