New Rules for Planning Application Fees Across England

With the granting of Royal Assent for the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 on 18 December 2025, the door has been opened for a significant shift in how planning application fees are set across England.

Among the key provisions is a move towards localised fee setting, allowing Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to determine their own planning charges - subject to strict cost recovery limits.

Why the Change to Planning Application Fees?

Currently, planning fees are set nationally, with no flexibility for LPAs to reflect local variations in service costs. The Government’s rationale is simple: by allowing authorities to set fees that better reflect local circumstances, planning departments will have the resources they need to deliver a more efficient and responsive service.

Safeguards and Oversight

To ensure LPAs do not gain autonomy, the system will include controls to ensure fairness and transparency. Fees will not be permitted to exceed the cost of processing applications, and all income will be ringfenced for planning functions such as development control, enforcement, and listed building consent. The Secretary of State will retain powers to intervene if fees are considered too high, too low, or unjustified - helping to prevent authorities from using pricing to deter development.

Consultation and Next Steps

Further detail will follow through secondary legislation. The changes are expected to be rolled out in phases during the course of 2026 and will outline how benchmarking and cost recovery will be standardised across the country and how the 'national default fee' will interact with local variations. Work by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) will inform this process, helping to define a model for transparent, evidence-based local fee setting.

What It Means for Applicants

If implemented effectively, localised fees could result in better-resourced planning departments and potentially faster decision-making. However, developers will want reassurance that higher fees translate into genuine service improvements. The introduction of surcharges for statutory consultees - another provision in the Act - will also be closely monitored to ensure that increased costs lead to better performance.

Looking Ahead

Localised planning fees mark a major policy change for the sector. The principles of cost recovery and transparency are welcome, but the success of the system will depend on how consistently they are applied. For now, applicants and consultants alike should keep a close eye on the upcoming consultations taking place and any emerging guidance on how fees will be calculated, reviewed, and justified.

Contact Us

If you are considering the development potential of a site, Salmon Planning + Architecture are well placed to help with expert planning advice and in-house specialist architectural services.

With offices across the Southwest in Somerset and Devon, please do not hesitate to make contact to discuss the issues discussed above on 01749 671500 or by email info@salmonplanning.co.uk