Planning permission for extensions in Alton
For Alton homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in AltonFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsGU34

What it costs in Alton
Guide fees for Alton including VAT, using our South East England factor of ×1.12. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £350 – £750 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £650 – £1,250 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £1,000 – £1,800 |
Our handling fee only. Council fees are extra: in England from 1 April 2026 a householder application is £548, a lawful development certificate for a proposed extension £274 and a larger home extension prior approval £249. Drawings are priced separately.
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Extensions in and around Alton
Across GU34, we can visit, measure and advise. Neighbouring towns we cover include Bordon (5 miles), Basingstoke (9 miles), Fleet (11 miles), Aldershot (11 miles).
For homes towards Surrey, Farnham is around 9 miles away. Homes across the South East range from Victorian terraces in the older town centres to large detached houses on the edges, so the right extension type varies street by street.
Planning rules that apply in Alton
In England the main routes are permitted development (ideally confirmed with a lawful development certificate, £274), larger home extension prior approval (£249, 42 days) and a householder planning application (£548, normally 8 weeks), with council fees as set from 1 April 2026.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Included in a typical project
- Planning history and constraints check for your address
- Liaison with the planning officer
- Application forms, plans and supporting statements
- Submission and fee payment guidance
- Route recommendation in writing
- Advice if conditions are attached or changes are requested
A lawful development certificate is not compulsory for permitted development, but it is the cleanest proof that the extension was lawful when you come to sell. We usually recommend one.
From first visit to completion
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Alton?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does this take for a Alton home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Do you cover all of Alton?
Yes. We cover Alton and the surrounding parts of Hampshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How much does planning permission cost?
In England, from 1 April 2026 the council fee is £548 for a householder application, £274 for a lawful development certificate for a proposed extension and £249 for larger home extension prior approval. Our handling fee is separate.
What happens if planning is refused?
You can revise the design and reapply, or appeal. We read the officer’s report and tell you honestly which option has a better chance.
Book a free site visit in Alton
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.