How are fees and payments for amendments handled with the 2023 increases?

Due to the change in fees and the need to ensure the increased values are applied, there may be instances where the higher fees are carried into applications that were originally submitted before the increase but are then amended after the increase is in place. 

Because amendments sometimes require an additional fee, the system will apply the increased fee values regardless of when the original application was submitted. 

To ensure customers are not overcharged in this scenario, they will be able to select a specific exemption on many of the application types that will allow the amendment to be submitted without an additional payment.  

The Local Authority will inform them if any additional fee is due when the amendment is received. 

For applications originally submitted before 6 December 2023, while this issue persists, we would recommend not using the amendment functions on the Planning Portal to correct fee issues. 

This is an interim solution to enable us to update the fees in line with the legislative timetable and we will look to improve it going forward. 

My application does not have an exemption. How do I avoid making an overpayment? 

There are several application types that do not qualify for an exemption of the planning fee so we are currently working on a solution which will allow amendments to applications submitted prior to 6 December 2023 to avoid being overcharged. 

Unfortunately, due to the short timeframe provided by government, we were unable to implement this in time for the 6 December but will do so as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, if you believe you are being overcharged for an amendment to an application that doesn’t have an exemption option, you can email our service desk team at support@planningportal.co.uk¹ or call 0333 323 4589, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm (excluding bank holidays), and they will assist. 

1. mailto:support@planningportal.co.uk?subject=Website%20enquiry