Planning application fees: increases approaching in December 2026

Planning application fees are set to change from 8 December 2026. We look at what applicants should consider now when planning forthcoming submissions.

With the new planning application fee regime expected to take effect from 8 December 2026, applicants are being reminded to factor the forthcoming changes into project budgets and submission programmes.

Earlier this year, DHA Planning reported on the Government’s confirmation of reforms to planning application fees, which are intended to increase fee income for local planning authorities and bring application fees closer to the actual cost of determining applications.

With implementation now approaching, the changes are becoming an immediate consideration for applicants preparing planning submissions towards the end of the year.

What is changing?

The reforms introduce a revised national fee structure across a range of planning application types.

As we highlighted previously, the wider reforms are intended to move the national fee schedule towards approximately 90% cost recovery for local planning authorities, while annual inflation-linked increases are also expected to continue.

The reforms also envisage a move towards greater local flexibility in the longer term. Local planning authorities are expected to be able to vary fees where the national schedule does not reflect their actual costs, potentially allowing fees of up to 30% above the national default rate, subject to the relevant regulatory framework and guidance.

Why does 8 December matter?

For developers, landowners, schools and other applicants with submissions currently being prepared, the timing could make a material difference to the planning application fee payable.

Projects approaching submission should therefore review their programmes now rather than assume the existing fee will continue to apply.

Importantly, the timing of an application should not be driven by the fee alone. Submitting prematurely simply to secure a lower fee could prove counterproductive if the application is incomplete or insufficiently developed. The priority should remain preparing a robust, properly coordinated and valid submission.

What should applicants do now?

For applications expected to be submitted towards the end of 2026, we recommend:

Reviewing project programmes to establish whether submission is likely before or after 8 December;
Checking application budgets to make sure the appropriate planning fee has been allowed for;
Allowing sufficient time for validation requirements, including ensuring plans, technical reports and other supporting documents are ready;
Avoiding a rushed submission purely to try to avoid an increased fee where this could compromise the quality of the application; and
Monitoring further changes, particularly as the Government progresses the wider reforms to how planning application fees are set.

Planning an application?

The forthcoming increase provides another reason to review planning strategy and submission programmes early.

DHA Planning can assist developers, landowners, schools and other applicants with preparing and coordinating planning submissions, identifying validation requirements and establishing realistic programmes for submission.

If you have a project approaching submission and would like to understand how the changes could affect your application, please

get in touch with the DHA Planning team.

Author

Laura Jackson MA
Associate Director

Laura joined DHA in 2004 as part of our original Graduate intake. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Geography and Sports Science from Loughborough University, and an MA in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Westminster. She is also a member of the RTPI.