Planning permission for extensions in Gillingham
We prepare planning permission for extensions for homes in Gillingham, as a stand-alone service or as the first stage of a design and build project.
- Guide price in GillinghamFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsME1, ME2, ME4, ME5, ME7
When it helps
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
Planning rules that apply in Gillingham
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 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).
Working in Gillingham
Our survey diary covers Gillingham, including ME1, ME2, ME4, ME5, ME7, ME8. The same team covers Chatham (1 mile), Rochester (2 miles), Strood (3 miles), Gravesend (8 miles), all within easy reach.
Just over the Essex border, Canvey Island is about 9 miles away. The South East has a broad mix of 1930s semis, post-war estates, newer developments and period cottages, and many houses have enough garden for a generous rear extension.
Design and approval fees for Gillingham
Guide fees for Gillingham including VAT, using our South East England factor of ×1.12. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £350 – £750 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £650 – £1,250 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £1,000 – £1,800 |
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.
How the project works
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
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Questions answered
How long does this take for a Gillingham home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Do you cover all of Gillingham?
Yes. We cover Gillingham and the surrounding parts of Kent. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Do I need building regulations approval in Gillingham?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
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 Gillingham
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.