Do I pay VAT on planning application fees?

VAT is not payable on fees for planning applications because they can only be issued by the government; however, VAT is applied to the service charge for submitting planning applications online as this is a charge set by the Planning Portal.

In contrast, VAT is payable on fees for building control approval. This is because approval under the building regulations can be issued by either local government or a commercial independent registered building control approver.