Planning permission for extensions in Hornchurch
For Hornchurch homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in HornchurchFrom £450 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsRM1, RM2, RM11, RM12, RM14
Working in Hornchurch
Across RM1, RM2, RM11, RM12, RM14, we can visit, measure and advise. We also work in nearby Romford (2 miles), Dagenham (2 miles), Becontree (4 miles), Thamesmead (6 miles).
In London, space is at a premium and gardens are often short, so side returns, wraparounds and carefully planned rear extensions tend to make the most of every metre.
What we take care of
- Liaison with the planning officer
- Planning history and constraints check for your address
- Advice if conditions are attached or changes are requested
- Application forms, plans and supporting statements
- Route recommendation in writing
What it costs in Hornchurch
Guide fees for Hornchurch including VAT, using our London factor of ×1.3. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £450 – £850 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £750 – £1,450 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £1,150 – £2,100 |
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.
Do I need planning permission in Hornchurch?
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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).
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
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
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Hornchurch
Do I need building regulations approval in Hornchurch?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Hornchurch, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How long does this take for a Hornchurch home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
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 Hornchurch
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.