Thinking of extending or altering your home in Buckinghamshire? This guide explains how planning permission works locally — including timeframes, fees, and quirks across Buckinghamshire Council. We’ll show you when you need permission, when Permitted Development applies, and how to avoid delays.
- Check if your project needs permission in Bucks
- Understand fees & timelines
- How to search existing applications
- Links to the Planning Portal & GOV.UK
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Planning permission in Buckinghamshire: overview
Buckinghamshire is a large unitary authority covering former districts including Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks, and Wycombe. Since April 2020, they merged into Buckinghamshire Council, which now handles all planning applications across the county.
Like other councils, Buckinghamshire follows national planning policy but also applies local plans and neighbourhood policies. This means some areas (e.g. conservation zones in Marlow or Chesham) face tighter restrictions than others.
Do I need planning permission in Bucks?
You’ll likely need full planning permission in Buckinghamshire if your project:
- Exceeds national permitted development limits (size, height, roof profile)
- Is on a flat or maisonette, where PD rights are limited
- Involves a listed building or is within a conservation area
- Requires a dropped kerb / new access onto a highway
- Alters use (e.g. garage conversion into separate dwelling)
Unsure? Our general guide is here: Do I Need Planning Permission?
Buckinghamshire council planning fees
As of 2024, standard Householder applications in Buckinghamshire cost £258. This is the same across England, but additional charges may apply:
- Pre-application advice fees – vary by project size
- Certificate of Lawfulness – same fee as a householder application
- Discharge of conditions – around £145 per request
How long does planning permission take in Buckinghamshire?
For straightforward householder applications:
- Validation: 1–2 weeks after submission
- Decision target: 8 weeks (can extend if issues arise)
Not sure if your idea fits Permitted Development?
We’ll check your project against PD rules and let you know if you need a full planning application.
How to apply in Buckinghamshire
- Check if your proposal is PD or needs full planning — start with our Do I Need Planning Permission? guide.
- Prepare accurate drawings — see Planning Permission Drawings – Complete Guide.
- Submit through the Planning Portal and select Buckinghamshire Council as the authority.
- Pay the correct fee and upload certificates.
- Monitor progress via the council’s online planning register.
If your home is in South Bucks, Wycombe, or Chiltern conservation areas, prepare for tighter design scrutiny.
How to search existing applications in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire Council hosts an online planning register where you can:
- Search by address, parish, or ward
- View neighbour applications (helpful for context and strategy)
- Check decisions, conditions, and officer reports
Access the search tool here: Bucks planning applications search.
FAQs: Buckinghamshire planning
How do I contact Buckinghamshire Council planning?
Visit the Buckinghamshire planning contact page. For pre-application advice, use the forms provided on the council website.
How long does planning permission take in Buckinghamshire?
Allow 8 weeks for householder applications, though backlogs may extend this. Major schemes can take 13 weeks or more.
What are Buckinghamshire Council planning fees?
Householder: ~£258. Lawful Development Certificates: ~£258. Pre-app advice and condition discharge carry extra fees. Confirm on the official site.
Where can I check planning permission in Bucks?
Use the council’s planning register to search by address and view decisions.
Is planning permission needed for extensions in Bucks?
Many rear extensions fall under PD, but larger or two-storey works will need full planning. See: Extension Guide.
Conclusion
Planning permission in Buckinghamshire follows national rules but comes with local quirks. Whether you’re in Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Chesham or Marlow, checking PD limits, preparing clear drawings, and understanding council timelines are the keys to smooth approval. If in doubt, get advice before you apply.
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