Planning permission for extensions across Barnstaple
Need planning permission for extensions in Barnstaple? We survey the house, prepare what the council needs and deal with the officers until a decision is made.
- Guide price in BarnstapleFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsEX31, EX32
When it helps
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
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.
Planning rules that apply in Barnstaple
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.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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).
Local to Barnstaple
Site visits are available across Barnstaple (EX31, EX32). Nearby, we also take on projects in Bideford (8 miles), Tiverton (28 miles), Exeter (34 miles), Newton Abbot (43 miles).
Launceston, in Cornwall, is roughly 34 miles from Barnstaple and also on our list. In the South West, local stone, render and brick vary from town to town, so matching materials is a big part of designing an extension that looks right.
Fees in Barnstaple
These are guide fees for Barnstaple, adjusted for South West England (×1.02) and including VAT. Council application and inspection fees are paid separately.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £350 – £700 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £600 – £1,150 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £900 – £1,650 |
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.
What happens next
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
We visit your Barnstaple home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Barnstaple?
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 Barnstaple home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Do you cover all of Barnstaple?
Yes. We cover Barnstaple and the surrounding parts of Devon. 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 Barnstaple
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.