Planning permission for extensions in Colchester
For Colchester homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in ColchesterFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsCO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO7
Extensions in and around Colchester
Postcode districts we cover around Colchester include CO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO7. The same team covers Clacton-on-Sea (13 miles), Witham (13 miles), Maldon (15 miles), Braintree (15 miles), all within easy reach.
Just over the Suffolk border, Sudbury is about 13 miles away. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
Design and approval fees for Colchester
These are guide fees for Colchester, adjusted for East of England (×1.06) 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 – £1,200 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £950 – £1,700 |
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.
What we take care of
- Application forms, plans and supporting statements
- Advice if conditions are attached or changes are requested
- Route recommendation in writing
- Planning history and constraints check for your address
- Liaison with the planning officer
- Submission and fee payment guidance
Planning and approvals in Colchester
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.
The planning position for a specific Colchester address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
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
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
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions answered
Do you cover all of Colchester?
Yes. We cover Colchester and the surrounding parts of Essex. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How long does this take for a Colchester 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 Colchester, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
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 Colchester
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.