Planning permission for extensions in Birkenhead
For Birkenhead homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in BirkenheadFrom £300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsCH41, CH42, CH44, L1, L2
When it helps
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
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.
Covering Birkenhead
We cover Birkenhead and the postcode districts CH41, CH42, CH44, L1, L2, L3. The same team covers Liverpool (2 miles), Wallasey (3 miles), Bebington (3 miles), Bootle (5 miles), all within easy reach.
Across the North West, terraced houses with small rear yards suit compact rear and side return extensions, while suburban semis have room for more.
Fees in Birkenhead
Guide fees for Birkenhead including VAT, using our North West England factor of ×0.95. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £300 – £650 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £550 – £1,050 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £850 – £1,550 |
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.
Planning rules that apply in Birkenhead
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).
Our process, step by step
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
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
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Common questions in Birkenhead
How long does this take for a Birkenhead home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Birkenhead, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Who do I contract with in Birkenhead?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
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.
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.
Book a free site visit in Birkenhead
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.