Planning permission for extensions in Lerwick
We take on planning permissions in Lerwick by arrangement. Because of travel and logistics, we agree the programme and any travel costs in writing before the survey.
- Guide price in LerwickFrom £300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsZE1
Covering Lerwick
Postcode districts we cover around Lerwick include ZE1. Island and remote projects are planned individually, with travel, deliveries and accommodation for the team agreed before the survey.
Across Scotland, extensions follow Scottish planning and building standards, including the building warrant process, which we build into the programme from the start.
Design and approval fees for Lerwick
Guide fees for Lerwick including VAT, using our Scotland factor of ×0.98. Council and building control charges are not included.
| Option | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Permitted development confirmed in writing (certificate or notification) | £300 – £650 |
| Standard | Householder planning application handled | £550 – £1,100 |
| Premium | Application with heritage or design statements, and responses to the council | £850 – £1,600 |
Our handling fee only. Council fees are extra and are set by the Scottish Government. Drawings are priced separately.
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Planning rules that apply in Lerwick
In Scotland the questions are whether the extension falls within householder permitted development (Classes 1A to 1D) or needs planning permission from the council, and the building warrant, which is required before construction begins and is followed by a completion certificate.
The planning position for a specific Lerwick address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
In Scotland a building warrant from the council is needed before work starts on almost any extension, and a completion certificate is issued when the work is accepted. Building standards are set in the Scottish technical handbooks.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Where work affects a shared wall or a neighbour's land, we agree access, protection and making good with your neighbour in writing before work starts.
Applications are decided by your council as planning authority.
When it helps
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
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.
What happens next
Visits to Lerwick are arranged around travel; we confirm any travel costs in writing before the survey.
Site visit by arrangement
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
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
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Lerwick
Do you cover all of Lerwick?
Yes. We cover Lerwick and the surrounding parts of Highlands and Islands. Projects here are taken on by arrangement because of travel, and any travel costs are agreed before the survey.
Do I need building regulations approval in Lerwick?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Lerwick, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
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.
Talk to us about a project in Lerwick
We will talk through the project, the planning position and how we would organise the visit and the build.
- Site visit arranged around travel, costs agreed first
- 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 .
Send us your project details
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.