Planning Fees Have Risen: What Heritage Homeowners Need to Know in 2025

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.

Understanding the New Planning Fees 

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:

• Substantial Initial Increases – From December 2023 to April 2025, planning application fees for homeowners have seen significant rises. For example, householder application fees increased from £206 to £528, more than doubling in less than 18 months. 
• Portal Application Fee– this has risen from £70 to £85, meaning the cost of a planning application has increased from a total of £276 to £613.
• Annual Uplifts – Going forward, fees will now increase annually on 1 April in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) from the previous September (capped at a maximum of 10%), the initial uplift has already placed a substantial financial strain on homeowners.
• Other Notable Fee Increases:
  • Prior approval applications have doubled from £120 to £240.
  • Discharge of conditions (householder developments) increased from £43 to £86.

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.

The Implications for Heritage Property Owners

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.

ERW’s Commitment: Free Planning Application Support in 2025

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:

• Preparation & Submission – We manage the paperwork and ensure your application is correctly submitted.

• Detailed Drawings & Specifications – Our team creates accurate, tailored visuals to support your application.

• Liaison with Planning Authorities – We act as your representative, responding to queries and facilitating approvals.

• Expert Design Advice – We help you choose options that meet regulations and complement your home’s heritage character.

Our goal is to ease the process and give you peace of mind with your planning application.

A Testament to Our Expertise

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.”

Take the Next Step with Confidence

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.