It has now been confirmed that the proposed increase in Council application fees (35% per dwelling for major schemes and 25% for all other applications) will come into effect from the 6th December 2023 (i.e. 28 days after the State Opening of Parliament).
The “free-go” will also be removed for applications made after this date.
Planning fees will then be index linked to rise in line with inflation from 1st April 2025.
Meanwhile, the Planning Guarantee which previously provided the mechanism for applicants to seek a refund should an application not be decided in 26 weeks has been reduced to 16 weeks.
