Forthcoming application service updates – England and Wales 

At Planning Portal, we’re committed to reinvesting in our services to continuously enhance the online application process for the benefit of all our users. As part of this commitment, we’re rolling out a series of updates for both England and Wales this summer.  

These improvements have been shaped by valuable feedback from applicants, agents, and local authorities, and are designed to make the process clearer, more efficient, and fully aligned with current legislation. Our goal is simple: to help applications get it right first time – saving time, reducing errors, and improving outcomes for everyone involved. 

Below, we’ve outlined the upcoming changes by region and application type. 

England & Wales updates 

1. Clarifying ‘Householder’ options in the fee calculator 

We’ve received feedback that the two planning application fee options for work relating to existing dwellings can be confusing – especially since these fees diverged in England in April. 

To help applicants select the correct option, we are: 

• Updating references to these fees. 

• Adding help text. 

• Including examples of work covered by each category. 

This should help reduce incorrect selections and ensure the fee paid is valid. 

2. Clearer guidance on applicant contact details 

Some users have been entering agent or alternative contact details into the ‘Applicant details’ section, rather than the applicant’s own details. 

We’re updating the ‘Contact details’ subheading to read ‘Applicant contact details’. 

• Applicant contact information should go in this section. 

• Agent details can be entered in the following question if relevant. 

England-only updates 

3. Removal of ‘expired transitional procedures’ for agricultural prior approvals 

The transitional arrangements for using superseded permitted development rights for agricultural buildings expired on 20 May 2025. 

As a result: 

• References to these procedures are being removed from the system. 

• This will prevent outdated options from being selected and ensure focus on current requirements. 

4. Updates to building control application questions 

To align with legislation and improve accuracy: 

• The ‘Conditions’ question will now be titled ‘Requirements’, with revised wording. 

• References to a fixed 8-week period are being removed from the ‘Prescribed period’ question. Instead, it will state that applicants agreeing to an extension will be contacted by the BCB to agree an appropriate deadline. 

Wales-only updates 

5. New Regulation 3 application options 

We are introducing the option to make applications under Regulation 3 in Wales. These can bypass the payment process if the local authority manages the fee internally – mirroring the successful approach already in place in England. 

6. Fee concession changes 

Following a review of Welsh fees legislation, we are making the following updates: 

• Removed: 50% Parish council fee reduction for Prior Approval applications. 

• Removed: ‘Sports club’ fee cap of £460 for Lawful Development Certificate and Prior Approval applications. 

• Added: Disability exemptions now available for Outline Planning Permission and Lawful Development Certificate applications. 

• Removed: Exemption for alternative proposals on the same site under Schedule 2 Part 3 Class E of the GPDO 1995. 

Evidence required: 
When selecting a legislative concession, users must provide details and documentation to support the claim. This should improve ‘right first time’ submissions and reduce validation delays. 

7. Fees for amendments to major development applications 

For Wales, a £230 fee will now be payable when amending an application for major development. 

• Applicants will be asked a yes/no question to determine if the fee applies. 

• Payment will be required before the amendment can be submitted. 

Summary 

These updates are designed to: 

• Reduce errors in application submissions, helping you avoid unnecessary delays. 

• Ensure fees and concessions are applied correctly, so payments are valid first time. 

• Improve clarity in forms and guidance, making it easier to choose the right options. 

• Support local authorities in validating applications more quickly and efficiently. 

Together, these improvements will make the planning application process smoother, more transparent, and easier to navigate – saving time for applicants, agents, and local authorities alike. We encourage all users to familiarise themselves with these changes before submitting their next application, so you can benefit from the enhanced service and submit with confidence.