Planning fees increase confirmed by the Department for Levelling Up
The government have said that planning application fees will climb by 35% for major applications from the 6th December 2023.
Despite the lead up to Christmas being associated with spreading joy, on Friday the government confirmed a planning fees hike in a bid to address planning undercapacity. However, as people continue to struggle financially, doubts have been cast as to whether people will be able to afford these new prices.
In addition, the new rules also outline that councils can charge 25% for other applications, plus annual inflation-related adjustments from April 2025. ‘Free-go’ applications, a system that states if you resubmit your application within 12 months of the decision a fee will not be charged for the second application, have been scrapped.
In a letter from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), chief planner Joanna Averley said the government expected the fee increase, which was orginally proposed in March, ‘to result in increased investment in the planning service.’
When the plans were first introduced, industry sources claimed developers would only be satisfied if their higher fees were targeted towards local planning departments, although the government announced in August that the funding raised will not be ringfenced, which means that councils can choose how best to spend the money.
Commenting on this decision, Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said it was a ‘kick in the teeth for developers at a time when ‘we need to be constantly boosting development and construction.
Barry said: ‘The fact that the money is being used for other services other than planning sends out the wrong message. This comes across like an additional tax to support local authority services.’
Last week Mid Devon Council’s deputy chief executive said in a cabinet meeting that higher fees could save up to £200,000 a year, although this ‘still won’t make the planning division break even.’
However, in contrast, Jonathan Harper, a partner in Rapley’s planning team, said the company broadly supported the fee increase.
Jonathan said: ‘With development becoming more and more challenging due to the economic climate and increasing burdens being placed on developers, it’s crucial that the extra costs associated with planning application fees are utilised to ensure the planning process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.’
Image: Daniel R
Party conference season: What needs to change in the planning industry?
Justice for pubs: planning laws must change to protect historic buildings
