Planning Application Fee Structure

Made_up_name

Can anybody clarify an architects standard fee structure for planning permissions? For example;
1. Original quote, does this cover all works up to the lodgement of a valid planning application and does it cover all subsequent works such as further information etc?
2. If the original application was unsuccessful, for whatever reason, or if the application was withdrawn, owing to the planning authority letting the client know the application would be rejected, is the production of a second application by the architect cause for a further bill for the client or covered in the original quote?
Whats are peoples thoughts or experiences on this, any feedback gratefully appreciated.

sydthebeat

can only speak of our own personal services but most of these question should be covered by the original quotation anyway. A detailed quote should be provided.

anyway, with our firm

1. yes, the fee for plannig stage would include all works required to submit a valid planning application, and in most cases, actually more than the minimum, as we try to include as much as is forseeable to be applicable during the application.
regarding Further Information, our fee would include all information required if it comes under our remit. We are an architectural firm, so if the LA looks fo rengineering details, or any specific specialist reports etc, the nthese are not covered (but quotation will say this anyway)

2. if the initial application is refused (or withdrawn) for reasons outsid eof the control of the architect, then its reasonable to expect a sbsequent application to lead to some kind of fee. There will be time expected in preparing the new application and there will also be printing costs.
If the subsequent application requires a complete new design, then the question is to be asked "was the original design dictated by the client, or was it the architects?"
Ive had cases where ive told teh client that what they wanted wouldnt get planing permission, but was directed to apply anyway. When the inevitable refusal happens, and a new design is required, we would then charge for time on this new design.



generally, there should be ambiguity on these matters. All thes equestions should be put to the designer on receipt of inital quotation anyway.
Most professionals are reasonable people, and most clients are also reasonable, a happy medium should be met if there is any schism in the partnership. The client should expect extra fee (at a reasonable rate) for a subsequent application... even if its just to cover time.

rayjdav

+ 1 to ^^^

Further information usually covered IF within remit AND reasonable expectation. This point should be confirmed at the outset to save confusion. Each office has it's own way with accounts.

Subsequent application usually justifies some sort of fee, if only for time/materials spent, should be seen as fair... If a total redesign or similar reason, depending on cause, fee should reflect works pro-rata.

Made_up_name

Thanks for the feedback guys