Understanding the New Planning Fees in 2025

Planning fees have seen significant increases in recent years, rising from £202 prior to 2024 to £300, and most recently to £346 in December 2024 for Residential Development (Existing Dwellings - 1 dwelling). These adjustments align with inflation and aim to better fund local planning authorities. With further annual increases planned (including in the summer of 2025), it’s essential for homeowners, developers, and architects to stay informed.

To give you a clearer picture, here are the key fee changes across various categories of development:

Residential Development

• Existing Dwellings

  • Enlargement or alteration (1 dwelling): £346

  • Enlargement or alteration (2 or more dwellings): £692

  • Ancillary structures or boundary enclosures: £346

• New Dwellings

  • Up to 10 dwellinghouses: £691 per dwellinghouse

  • 11-49 dwellinghouses: £691 for each of the first 10, £519 for each additional dwellinghouse

  • 50 or more dwellinghouses: £691 for each of the first 10, £519 for each additional up to 49, and £288 for each beyond 50 (capped at £172,856)

Non-Residential Buildings

• Construction of new buildings:

  • Up to 50 sq. metres: £346

  • 51-100 sq. metres: £691

  • Over 100 sq. metres: £691 plus £691 per additional 100 sq. metres up to 4,000 sq. metres

  • Over 4,000 sq. metres: £27,640 plus £346 per additional 100 sq. metres (capped at £172,856)

Agricultural Buildings

• Ground area up to 500 sq. metres: £576

• Ground area exceeding 500 sq. metres: £576 plus £576 for each additional 100 sq. metres (capped at £28,809)

Change of Use

• Changing a building into dwellinghouses:

  • Up to 10 dwellinghouses: £691 each

  • 11-49 dwellinghouses: £691 for first 10, £519 for each additional

  • 50 or more dwellinghouses: £691 for first 10, £519 for next 39, £288 for each additional (capped at £172,856)

• Material change in use of buildings or land:

  • £576 per 0.1 hectare (capped at £5,762)

Conclusion

Being aware of the recent and future increases in planning fees can help you budget your projects more effectively. These changes reflect efforts to modernise the planning system and support local authorities in handling applications more efficiently. Whether you're planning a small extension, a new build, or a more extensive development, anticipating these costs can help you stay prepared.

At Houlet Studio, we’re committed to guiding our clients through the planning process. From helping you submit compliant applications to designing with budgets in mind, we’re here to ensure your project runs smoothly. If you have any questions about how these changes might affect your plans, feel free to get in touch with us.

Neil's reflections on the Build East Renfrewshire Programme: Insights, Lessons, and Inspiration

Over the course of the last couple of months, I’ve had the privilege of participating in the Build East Renfrewshire programme, hosted by Business Gateway East Renfrewshire. Designed to strengthen business capabilities, expand industry knowledge, and foster collaboration, the programme has been an eye-opening journey into the construction sector in East Renfrewshire, Scotland and beyond.

Here are some key takeaways from the first half of the programme:

Week 1: Laying the Foundation

The programme kicked off with an engaging session featuring speakers from Tilbury Douglas, Supplier Development Programme Scotland, hub West Scotland, and Business Gateway East Renfrewshire.

I left feeling grateful for the opportunity to connect with knowledgeable professionals and could see the value in listening to businesses of all shapes and sizes. It was exciting to learn more about the supply chain, procurement, and how small businesses like mine can position themselves for success.

Week 2: Exploring Retrofit and Net Zero Goals

Our visit to A.C. Whyte & Co. Ltd was packed with insights. Jennifer Phin’s deep dive into the retrofit market was particularly inspiring, as was her advice to focus on small, consistent improvements, a message reinforced by me buying the book Atomic Habits, which I’ve since started reading.

Sandy Rose continued the conversation on public sector procurement, highlighting the intricacies of tendering in the UK, while Fionnghal Caldwell from Morrison Construction offered a compelling look at carbon reduction and efficiency.

This session challenged my initial cynicism about the industry’s commitment to Net Zero. With significant investments being made and meaningful action taking place, it’s clear the industry is moving in this direction.

Week 3: Insights from Mackenzie Construction

At Mackenzie Construction, we explored the challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry today.

Andy Dalrymple and Mark Brown shared insights into their work, highlighting the growing need to address the ageing workforce and attract fresh talent to sustain the industry.

Meanwhile, Donna Hepburn’s talk resonated deeply with me, especially her advice to “Start with the end in mind.” Her understanding of the challenges small businesses face led me to arrange a follow-up meeting with her in January.

Finally, Debbie Hill from East Renfrewshire Council provided a clear and professional overview of procurement processes. Her explanation demystified tendering, making it feel far more accessible than I’d previously thought.

Week 4: Industry Heavyweights and Big Lessons

The final session of the year, held at Barrhead Housing Association, featured some of the biggest names in Scottish construction.

Kier Construction gave a fantastic presentation, with Laura Brown and Paul McAdam shedding light on the complexities of managing long-term projects in remote locations. Learning that Kier secured £1.4 billion in government contracts last year was new to me and highlighted their scale and influence.

CCG (Scotland) Ltd, represented by Chris Murray, Fraser Hatton, and Scott McLachlan, showcased their inspiring work in retrofit projects and renewable energy. I’m eager to visit their prefab kit manufacturing site in the future!

Stewart Macgregor introduced the idea of cooperative partnerships for securing larger projects, something I hadn’t considered before.

Sandy Rose rounded out the session with advice on tendering, emphasising the importance of laying a strong groundwork for smoother future processes.

Looking Ahead

As we take a break before the programme resumes in January, I’m thrilled with what I’ve learned so far. Not only have I gained a deeper understanding of the construction sector, but I’ve also expanded my network and perspective on business development.

A massive thank you to Scott Arnot, Colin McNally, Angeline Robertson, and all the speakers and participants who’ve made this experience so far. I’m excited to see what the next phase of the programme will bring!

Reflections on RIAS LIVE in Dundee

Last Friday, Lorna and I attended the RIAS LIVE event in Dundee, an insightful day that brought together architects and professionals to discuss a wide range of topics relevant to the industry.

The discussions covered everything from working internationally and urbanism to restoration projects such as the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh and the HMS Unicorn in Dundee. There was also an interesting exploration of British railways and their architectural legacy, providing plenty of food for thought about the intersections of history, infrastructure, and modern design.

For us, the event was a great way to meet CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements while gaining practical insights and inspiration. Topics like restoration and urbanism resonated with our own interests and projects, offering new perspectives we hope to integrate into our work.

The venue in Dundee (DCA), paired with its local architectural context—particularly the ongoing HMS Unicorn restoration—highlighted the importance of preserving heritage while embracing innovative approaches to design.

At Houlet Studio, events like RIAS LIVE help us stay connected with industry developments and consider how these ideas might influence our own practice. If you attended the event or have thoughts on the topics discussed, we’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation.

Houlet’s Hallows: Curated Hidden Treasures for a Character-Filled Home

At Houlet Studio, we believe your home should be as unique as the life you live. That’s why, as we prepare for our shop relaunch, we’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new section of the shop: Houlet’s Hallows!

Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of rare, story-filled pieces, each carefully chosen to add personality, history, and a touch of magic to your home.

Our original plan was to launch before Christmas, but we’ve decided to take a slower, more thoughtful approach—because we’re not just selling things, we’re curating treasures. Follow our journey as we gather and transform new pieces on Instagram and through our Newsletter (sign up today!), building anticipation for a 2025 launch.

Why Houlet’s Hallows?

Inspired by the joy of uncovering hidden gems, Houlet’s Hallows brings you one-of-a-kind pieces with rich stories to tell. Whether it’s a vintage vase with a dash of history, a retro armchair waiting to be loved again, or quirky décor that sparks conversation, each piece has been selected with heart and care.

We thrive on discovering forgotten curiosities and want your shopping experience to be part of your interior journey. Every item we source comes with its own narrative, ready to become a cherished part of your home.

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Upcycled chest of drawers (with Toby) - by Lorna

Sustainability Meets Style

With Houlet’s Hallows, we’re not only giving new life to second-hand treasures but also committing to sustainability. Each item we upcycle or resell means less waste and more mindful interiors for you. It’s style with a conscience, and we’re proud to support the movement toward eco-friendly homes.

While Neil and I will be diving into upcycling ourselves, for certain items that need specialised care—like intricate upholstery or advanced woodwork—we’ll be partnering with talented local companies. That way, we can revive every item we love, sustainably and beautifully.

What You Can Expect

Our collection will change constantly, as we’re always on the hunt for new finds. Here’s a taste of what to expect:

- Vintage Furniture with timeless charm

- Decorative Objects brimming with character

- Unique and Quirky Home Accessories you will struggle to find anywhere else

- New to Market Home Items but with an eco friendly approach

- Hand-picked Pieces from a range of eras and styles, each with a story

Each item is inspected, cleaned, and restored as needed, ready to become a part of your home’s next chapter. Whether it’s the focal point of your living room or a subtle detail in your reading nook, our pieces are here to add a distinctive touch.

Our collection will be available online, and we hope to sell at events throughout the year, giving you more ways to experience our pieces.

Follow us on Instagram, join our Newsletter, and keep an eye out for sneak peeks and updates. We’ll be sharing the stories behind our finds and what inspired us to bring them to Houlet’s Hallows—you might just discover a piece that speaks to you.

Join Us on This Journey

We’re beyond excited to bring you along on this journey of discovery, sustainable style, and storytelling. Houlet’s Hallows is about connecting with pieces that make your space uniquely yours.

Stay tuned for our official launch in 2025, and be part of the first wave to explore a world of hidden treasures with Houlet Studio. Don’t forget if you sign up for our Newsletter you will get a 10% discount code and exclusive access to our soft launch— this is just for our subscribers.

Discover the magic in every piece. Welcome to Houlet’s Hallows.