Planning permission for extensions across Kent
We prepare planning permission for extensions for homes across Kent, on their own or as the first stage of a full design and build project.
- Guide priceFrom £350 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Towns covered23
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in Kent
Extensions in and around Kent
Towns we cover in Kent include Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Tunbridge Wells, Folkestone, Margate, Ashford, Kent, Canterbury. In the South East, plenty of houses have already been extended once, which makes checking the remaining permitted development allowance an important early step.
Do I need planning permission in Kent?
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.
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.
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).
Design and approval fees for Kent
These are guide fees for Kent, adjusted for South East England (×1.12) and including VAT. Council application and inspection fees are paid separately.
| 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.
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
What is included
- Advice if conditions are attached or changes are requested
- Application forms, plans and supporting statements
- Liaison with the planning officer
- Route recommendation in writing
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
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
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 Kent
How long does this take for a Kent home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Do you cover all of Kent?
Yes, across the whole of Kent. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Kent 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.
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 Kent
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.