Change in National Planning Fees: April 2026
The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 established an annual fee uplift in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), for the preceding September, rounded to the nearest £1. The CPI for September 2025 was 3.8%.
All fee values from 1 April 2025 will be increased by 3.8% and these new fees will be charged from 1 April 2026.
The Government has acknowledged an existing issue within the current regulations which means that the fee for outline planning applications covering multiple categories of development is not increased as part of the indexation process. It has been confirmed that this anomaly will be addressed through a future amendment to the regulations at the next available opportunity.
The new fees will come into force for valid applications submitted on or after 1 April 2026.
Validation and Registration
It is very important to submit all the required information with your application. This will allow for the validation and registration of your application to be carried out more efficiently and will assist us in determining your application within the statutory timeframe.
Your application will be considered against National Validation Requirements. However if you think the development site is likely to require a bat survey or flood risk assessment for example, then it is recommended that you submit these even though they are not required to make the application valid.
It may become apparent through consideration of the application that additional information is required to enable the officers to properly assess and determine the application. The Case Officer will contact you should this be the case and will discuss any Implications on the timescale of any decision and the possible need for an extension of time.
Further information regarding Making an Application is available on the GOV.UK.
Biodiversity Net Gain
In England, BNG is becoming mandatory under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021). Developers must deliver 10% BNG for major developments from 12th February 2024, and small sites from April 2024.
Find out more on our Biodiversity Net Gain page.
Permission in Principle
Permission in principle is an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development. It separates the consideration of matters of principle for the proposed development from the technical detail of the development.
The permission in principle consent route has 2 stages. The first stage (permission in principle) establishes whether a site is suitable in principle. The second stage (technical details consent) is when the detailed development proposals are assessed.
Making an application
It is not currently possible to apply online via the Planning Portal for this type of application.
Applications for Technical Details Consent based on a granted Permission in Principle should be submitted as a Full Planning Permission with details of the related Permission in Principle provided in the description.
Validation List
National Planning Policy and Guidance requires a Local Validation List which is up-to-date to clearly set out the validation requirements for applications for development. Such a list should not have been adopted more than two years before a given planning application is determined. This Local Validation List is considered to be both Council and customer facing and is considered to comprehensively list the validation requirement in an easy-to-understand format.
How can I request a refund for a planning application?
Once paid, most planning application fees cannot be refunded. There are a few exceptions to this, including:
- in relation to the Planning Guarantee
- when a request for a written confirmation of compliance is not completed within 12 weeks
- in some circumstances for deemed planning applications
In order to request a refund or partial refund for an application, you will need to contact Planning Services on 01909 533 533 or planning@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Will my fee be refunded if my planning application is refused?
There is no refund in respect of planning application fees, irrespective of the decision that is made.
Retention of Fee Charges
Planning Services will retain an administration charge to cover costs incurred by the LPA for the following:
- Applications submitted but are ‘Permitted Development’ - retain 25% of fee submitted.
- Applications deemed to be invalid - retain 25% of fee submitted
- Applications returned or withdrawn (prior to registration) - retain 25% of fee submitted.
% applies to Planning Fees (minimum charge of £60).
Last Updated on Wednesday, April 1, 2026