Planning permission for extensions in Thurso
Thurso projects are quoted by arrangement: we plan the design, approvals and build carefully around travel and material deliveries, and confirm any travel costs up front.
- Guide price in ThursoFrom £300 inc VAT
- PlanningWe find the right route for you
- Timescale8–13 weeks typical decision period
- Postcode districtsKW14

What it costs in Thurso
Guide fees for Thurso 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.
When it helps
- Anyone unsure whether their extension needs permission
- Homeowners who would rather not deal with the council themselves
- Projects in conservation areas or with previous refusals
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.
Extensions in and around Thurso
Site visits are available across Thurso (KW14). 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.
Planning and approvals in Thurso
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.
In a conservation area or national scenic area the householder permitted development rights are more limited, listed homes need listed building consent, and if rights have been removed by a condition or direction, any extension needs an application.
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.
Applications are decided by your council as planning authority.
Our process, step by step
Visits to Thurso are arranged around travel; we confirm any travel costs in writing before the survey.
Site visit by arrangement
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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 Thurso
Do you cover all of Thurso?
Yes. We cover Thurso 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 Thurso?
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 Thurso, 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 Thurso
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.