Planning permission for extensions in Birmingham
For Birmingham homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in BirminghamFrom £300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsB1, B2, B3, B4, B5
When it helps
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
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 Birmingham
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Fees in Birmingham
These are guide fees for Birmingham, adjusted for West Midlands (×0.97) 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) | £300 – £650 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £550 – £1,100 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £850 – £1,600 |
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.
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Extensions in and around Birmingham
We cover Birmingham and the postcode districts B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B19. We also work in nearby Smethwick (3 miles), West Bromwich (5 miles), Shirley (6 miles), Halesowen (7 miles).
For homes towards Worcestershire, Bromsgrove is around 12 miles away. Across the West Midlands, brick-built semis with long gardens are common, so single-storey and two-storey rear extensions are popular choices.
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Common questions in Birmingham
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Birmingham, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do I need building regulations approval in Birmingham?
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 Birmingham home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
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 Birmingham
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.