How Much Does a Planning Consultant Cost in the UK?
A planning consultant specialises in navigating the planning system — advising on the prospects of success for applications, preparing and submitting applications, negotiating with planning officers, and representing clients at appeal. For complex, sensitive, or refused applications, a planning consultant can be a valuable investment. For straightforward householder applications, they are generally not needed.
Typical Cost (UK, 2026)
All costs are indicative estimates. Obtain at least 3 quotes from qualified builders. Prices exclude VAT (20%).
Factors Affecting the Cost
Complexity of application
A straightforward householder application in a standard residential area requires far less specialist input than a listed building, conservation area, or Green Belt application.
Stage of instruction
Pre-application advice and application preparation costs less than full appeal representation.
Specialist knowledge required
Some planning consultants specialise in particular areas — listed buildings, heritage, retail planning, or rural exceptions — and may charge more for their specialist knowledge.
Consultant seniority
A senior RTPI-chartered planner charges more than a junior consultant or planning assistant.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Basic | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-application advice meeting / initial review | £200 | £400 | £700 |
| Preparation of planning statement | £500 | £900 | £1,800 |
| Full application support (householder) | £1,000 | £1,800 | £3,000 |
| Planning appeal (written representations) | £2,000 | £3,500 | £6,000 |
| Planning appeal (hearing or inquiry) | £4,000 | £7,500 | £15,000+ |
Costs are indicative and exclude VAT. Regional variations apply.
Typical Timeline
Pre-app advice: 1–2 weeks; application preparation: 2–4 weeks; appeal: 3–12 months depending on type
Frequently Asked Questions
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