About Council Planned

Clear, researched guidance on UK planning permission. No jargon, no upsell, just honest answers to common questions.

What we do

Council Planned explains UK planning permission: when you need it, how to apply, what it costs, and what you can build without asking. We research planning regulations, local authority guidance, and government policy, then write it in plain English.

How we research

Every article is AI-researched and human-reviewed. We cite primary sources for factual claims:

• gov.uk planning guidance and regulations
• Planning Portal official documentation
• Local planning authority policies
• UK Parliament legislation (Town and Country Planning Act 1990, etc.)

You'll find source citations at the bottom of each article. We link to the original document where possible.

What we're not

We don't offer professional planning advice. We don't represent any local authority, planning consultant, or installer. We don't accept paid placements in articles. We don't get commission if you use a particular service.

For your specific situation, always check with your local planning authority. Planning rules vary by council, and only they can give you definitive answers about your application.

The calculator

Our planning fee calculator uses current UK government fee rates (England). Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland fees may differ. The calculator is for guidance only. Your local authority may charge different fees for certain applications. Always confirm before submitting.

Contact

Spot an error? Have a correction? Email [email protected]. We don't answer general planning questions (we're not planning officers), but we do fix mistakes and update outdated information.

Last updated

This page was last reviewed on 14 June 2026.