The Government have now confirmed that changes to the planning application fee system will come into force ‘by the end of 2023’, including a 35% increase on major planning applications, and 25% increase on all others. Fees will then increase annually on 1st April using the Consumer Price Index from the previous September, with annual fee increases capped at 10%, and reviewed every 3 years. They are also removing the right to a ‘free go’ to encourage pre-apps, although applications eligible for the ‘free go’ prior to the change will remain so. And the Planning Guarantee for non-major applications will reduce from 26 weeks to 16 weeks, so if no Extension of Time is agreed, you are entitled to a refund if an application is not determined within 16 weeks. Majors will stay at 26 weeks.
Hazel Izod