Planning permission for extensions in Harwich
For Harwich homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in HarwichFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsCO12
Working in Harwich
Site visits are available across Harwich (CO12). The same team covers Clacton-on-Sea (12 miles), Colchester (17 miles), Witham (29 miles), Maldon (30 miles), all within easy reach.
The East of England mixes market-town terraces, inter-war semis and modern estates. Clay soils are common in parts of the region, which can affect foundation design.
Fees in Harwich
Fees below are our Harwich guide (×1.06, the East of 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) | £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.
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Planning rules that apply in Harwich
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).
Who this service is for
- 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
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Common questions in Harwich
Do you cover all of Harwich?
Yes. We cover Harwich and the surrounding parts of Essex. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Do I need building regulations approval in Harwich?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Who do I contract with in Harwich?
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 Harwich
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.