Planning fees and how to pay
View or download planning fees schedule (PDF)
Pay online
Pre-application advice payments are taken at the time of submission. Read about homeowner pre-application advice; read about non-homeowner pre-application advice.
You can pay online for planning applications. On the payments page, please select 'Miscellaneous', then 'Planning' and select the option you wish to pay.
Paying for a planning application: select this option from the list and enter the amount you are paying, enter the planning case reference number (this will be on communication received from us), if you haven’t got this reference, enter the site location address in the message box field. You will receive a payment receipt, email a copy of this to planning@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk including the reference number and/or site address/applicant name, so we can match this with your application to allow validation to proceed.
Paying for pre-application advice: select this option from the list and enter the amount you are paying. Enter the site location address and the option you are paying for in the message box field. You will need to upload the payment receipt onto your pre-application form before submitting your request.
Pay by cheque
Make your cheque payable to Central Bedfordshire Council. To avoid any delays in validation, please ensure the site location address or the case reference number/appeal reference number is written on the back of the cheque. Without this information, we won't be able to match your cheque with your application.
If you are submitting a paper application, please make sure your cheque accompanies the application.
If you are making payment following submission of an application, you must write the application reference number on the back of the cheque.
Please send your cheque to:
Planning Department
Central Bedfordshire Council
Priory House
Monks Walk
Chicksands
Shefford
Bedfordshire
SG17 5TQ
Pay by bank transfer
Our bank details are:
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort code: 60-01-16
Account number: 45062811
Account name: Central Bedfordshire Council income account
You must provide a remittance advice or covering letter with your application, advising that payment has been made via bank transfer. On your payment, you need to include the word “Planning” in the “reason for payment” field. If you can fit in the site location address this will help us match up your payment.
Your remittance advice/covering letter is not proof of payment. As soon as our finance team confirms that payment has been received we can record the payment against the application.
Pay through the Planning Portal
Please be advised that if you choose to submit your application through the Planning Portal and your application isn’t exempt from fee regulations (check the planning fees schedule – PDF). The Planning Portal won't forward your application to us until the planning fee and their handling fee has been paid. Please refer to the Planning Portal website for the fees applicable.
Sometimes, the planning fee amount received is incorrect, if this is the case, we'll contact you to resolve it. The Planning Portal only sends us the planning fee, the handling fee is what they charge you for using their site. The handling fee is non-refundable.
Planning Portal help and support
Contact the Planning Portal's team for help with:
- completing your online application
- submitting your online application
- making a payment to the Planning Portal
Telephone: 0333 323 4589
Telephone: 0333 323 3900 (payments direct line)
We can't help with any Planning Portal queries.
Requesting copies of planning-related documents
If you’re requesting copies of planning-related documents which can’t be found online, these will probably be held on microfiche.
Contact our planning team and we will look for the information for you and provide it via email if it is held.