This article was published on June 13, 2025
New planning application fees could make improving your heritage home more expensive- but at ERW, we’re offering expert support at no extra cost.
As of 1 April 2025, planning application fees in England have undergone a significant rise. These adjustments are part of a government initiative to help local planning authorities recover more of their operational costs.
Key changes include:
For homeowners in conservation areas or those with listed buildings, where even minor works often require consent, these fee increases add further pressure to an already complex process.
We understand the appeal of owning a heritage property: stunning architectural features, period charm and the historic value it has on your area. However, owning a heritage home comes with a unique set of responsibilities. Planning permission or listed building consent is frequently required for even modest upgrades-whether replacing windows, doors or improving energy efficiency.
Navigating the system can be time-consuming and stressful, with local authorities requiring detailed documentation, material specifications and historically sympathetic design plans. An error in the application process can mean costly delays or refusals.
We’re incredibly disappointed by the steep rise in planning fees for homeowners. To help offset this added pressure, ERW is offering complimentary planning support for all heritage projects requiring consent in 2025 – saving you £288 in professional service fees. While the application fee itself still applies, our in-house team will manage the process on your behalf at no extra cost.
This includes:
Our goal is to ease the process and give you peace of mind with your planning application.
As one client in Stokesley shared:
“ERW has been a major contributor in improving the physical appearance and energy conservation in our property, which sits in the middle of Stokesley’s conservation area. From assistance given to lodging planning applications through advice on window design and final installation, I can give no higher praise than commending ERW on every aspect of installation.”
With planning fees increasing and the process more complex than ever, now is the ideal time to take advantage of our expert support.
Get in touch to learn how we can help you preserve and enhance your home’s legacy, without the added cost of managing the application yourself.
Email sales@erwltd.co.uk or give us a call on 01642 456167 to see how we can help you preserve the charm of your period property.
This blog post reflects planning fee structures and ERW’s services as of 2025. For the latest updates, consult your local planning authority or the Planning Portal, or speak directly with a member of our team.
Home improvements remain a priority for UK homeowners in 2026, with more people choosing to invest in their current property rather than move. Rising moving costs, changing lifestyles, and a growing focus on quality living spaces are all contributing to this shift. However, not all home improvements deliver the same impact. If you are considering […]
You’re warmly invited to join us at our March 2026 Open Weekend to discover exactly what sets our bespoke timber craftsmanship apart. From Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd March, we are opening the doors of our award-winning Middlesbrough showroom and workshop. This event is a brilliant opportunity to see our products up close and gain […]
Timber windows naturally provide a beautiful, timeless aesthetic, instantly bringing warmth and character to any home. They offer the ideal foundation for creating a stunning festive display that can give your home that sought after cozy Christmas feel this time of year. As the days shorten and the outdoor temperature drops, our windows transform into […]
A superb job! We’re really delighted with all our new windows. We’d like to thank ERW very much.
The installation team of Craig, Aarron and Joe were very professional, worked well together and got on with the job efficiently to complete everything ahead of time. They were very polite and communicated well with us about the job in hand and the time scale, and we were impressed that they cleared up so well each day before leaving. We would like to thank them for all their workmanship, advice, help and good humour.
The quality of the items made off-site was very high. The 7 windows look really good, they operate well and the finish is excellent. Hopefully, next winter’s gas and electricity bills will show the benefit.
From our initial contact with Stuart and our visit to the showroom, through the technical survey by Andy and the co-ordination by Sophie and Jeff, to the final installation, we’re more than happy with the whole process. We’re so pleased that we chose ERW for our continuing efforts at improving our 115-year-old home. We will certainly come back for the final stage of work on our windows in due course.
Mr and Mrs C, Darlington
Our whole experience with ERW joiners has been absolutely first class. Our first meeting was a showroom appointment with Stuart Wall, I personally loved the showroom straightaway, the colours of the sample doors blew me away.
To the skilled craftsmen of joiners who made our front door, who we have not met, but who we will forever be grateful too – their craftsmanship is beyond compare – thank you so very much.
Mrs Lister
Really happy with all elements of the great service and quality product.
Mr. K, Helmsley
We have been well satisfied with the work done by ERW. From our first meeting when we turned up at the showroom without prior booking to the final fitting we have been well looked after. The two installers were punctual, tidy and did an excellent job and responded positively to questions and took pride in their work.
Mr & Mrs T, Darlington
Brochure Download
We're not able to carry out installations in your postcode area, however, we can still design and create your door, and you can liaise with a local fitter in your area to install it.
Close