Planning permission for extensions in Chester
For Chester homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in ChesterFrom £300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsCH1, CH2, CH3
Planning rules that apply in Chester
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.
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.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Local to Chester
Our survey diary covers Chester, including CH1, CH2, CH3. Nearby, we also take on projects in Ellesmere Port (6 miles), Runcorn (12 miles), Widnes (14 miles), Winsford (15 miles).
Across the North West, terraced houses with small rear yards suit compact rear and side return extensions, while suburban semis have room for more.
What we take care of
- Submission and fee payment guidance
- Planning history and constraints check for your address
- Application forms, plans and supporting statements
- Advice if conditions are attached or changes are requested
- Route recommendation in writing
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.
What it costs in Chester
Guide fees for Chester 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.
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
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
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
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 Chester?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Chester?
Yes. We cover Chester and the surrounding parts of Cheshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Who do I contract with in Chester?
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.
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 Chester
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.