Planning permission for extensions across Stepney
For Stepney homeowners we handle planning permission for extensions, with fees agreed in writing before any work starts.
- Guide price in StepneyFrom £450 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsE1W, E1, E2, E3, E14
Planning and approvals in Stepney
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 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.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Extensions in and around Stepney
Postcode districts we cover around Stepney include E1W, E1, E2, E3, E14, SE16. The same team covers Bethnal Green (1 mile), Bow (1 mile), Stratford (2 miles), Canning Town (3 miles), all within easy reach.
Waltham Abbey, in Essex, is roughly 12 miles from Stepney and also on our list. 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
- Planning history and constraints check for your address
- Submission and fee payment guidance
- Application forms, plans and supporting statements
- Liaison with the planning officer
- Route recommendation in writing
What it costs in Stepney
These are guide fees for Stepney, adjusted for London (×1.3) 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) | £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.
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 Stepney home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
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 Stepney
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Stepney, 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 Stepney home?
8–13 weeks typical decision period, depending on the council and the complexity of the project.
Will my neighbours in Stepney 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 Stepney
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.