Planning permission for extensions across Kempston
For Kempston homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in KempstonFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsMK40, MK42
Design and approval fees for Kempston
Guide fees for Kempston including VAT, using our East of England factor of ×1.06. Council and building control charges are not included.
| 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.
Local to Kempston
We cover Kempston and the postcode districts MK40, MK42. We also work in nearby Bedford (2 miles), Ampthill (6 miles), Leighton Buzzard (15 miles), Dunstable (16 miles).
For homes towards Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes is around 12 miles away. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
When it helps
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
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.
Do I need planning permission in Kempston?
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.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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.
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).
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
We visit your Kempston home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
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
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.
Questions answered
Will my neighbours in Kempston 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.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Kempston, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do I need building regulations approval in Kempston?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
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 Kempston
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.