Planning fees and how to pay
View or download planning fees schedule (PDF)
Pay online
You can pay online for planning applications. On the payments page, please select 'Miscellaneous', then 'Planning' and then the type of application you are applying for (please see the fees schedule above for the online payment reference (OPR) related to the type of application you are submitting.)
In the message box field of the payment form, please enter the site location address if you are submitting a new application.
If you are making a payment following receipt of a letter from us, then include the case reference number found on the letter in the message box field. If you are making an additional payment, use the online payment reference and over type the amount with what you need to pay, make sure you include the case reference number in the message box field.
This information is crucial for matching the payment with the application. You will need to include your email address so that a receipt is sent to you, please send a copy of this receipt to us at planning@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Pay by phone
Telephone: 0300 300 8307 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am until 4:30pm)
Our customer services team will take a telephone payment from you. They will ask for the site location address if you are submitting a new application. If you are making a payment following receipt of a letter from us, they will ask you for the case reference number which can be found on the letter. If you are making a payment for an Appeal, you will be asked to provide the Appeal Reference and the site location address.
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.