Increased planning fees next year!

Local authorities are to be given the power to set their own planning fees, under new government proposals.  For Shropshire’s beleaguered developers that means no end to the escalating costs of submitting a planning application.

The warning comes from, Balfours property professionals’ planning consultant Karine Swanson, says: “The government claims that under the current fixed fee system councils have been unable to recover the true costs of applications meaning taxpayers have been left subsidising the costs through council tax bills.”

However she cautions that if the plans are taken forward local authorities will be able to set their own fees from April 2011. They will be given six months from April to October to publish their fees. Karine Swanson says “I would expect most planning authorities will seek to increase their charges by 10% to 15%.

“Of equal concern, the government is also considering allowing authorities to charge for applications which are currently exempt, like listed building applications, works to trees subject to a tree preservation order, resubmitted applications and even higher fees for retrospective applications.”

She urges anyone considering a development to bring their scheme forward as soon as they can to save money. “Obviously the costs will have to be borne by applicants and I can only urge developers to move quickly to avoid the increases.” To find out more call Karine Swanson on 01743 241181.

Pictured: Karine Swanson, of Balfours warns a further hike in planning costs is on the way.