Planning permission for extensions across Congleton
We prepare planning permission for extensions for homes in Congleton, as a stand-alone service or as the first stage of a design and build project.
- Guide price in CongletonFrom £300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsCW12
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.
Planning rules that apply in Congleton
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.
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 Congleton
Fees below are our Congleton guide (×0.95, the North West England factor), including VAT. Council and building control fees are extra.
| 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.
Local to Congleton
Postcode districts we cover around Congleton include CW12. The same team covers Macclesfield (8 miles), Crewe (11 miles), Wilmslow (11 miles), Winsford (13 miles), all within easy reach.
Just over the Staffordshire border, Kidsgrove is about 5 miles away. Across the North West, terraced houses with small rear yards suit compact rear and side return extensions, while suburban semis have room for more.
From first visit to completion
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
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
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 I need building regulations approval in Congleton?
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 Congleton home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Will my neighbours in Congleton be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
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 Congleton
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.