Gareth Belsham, Naismiths Director and national head of building surveying, felt the increase would be judged according to the motives behind it.
“If the purpose is to employ more planning staff and so relieve pressure on Britain’s notoriously clogged planning system, it’s likely to receive a warm welcome from the industry for helping ease development.
“But if it is seen as a mere ploy for town halls to line their squeezed coffers, it’s likely to raise hackles among property professionals.”