The 1.5 per cent increase has been introduced to help cover the annual running costs of the planning appeals system that was introduced last year.
Following public feedback, the department has also changed the set-up of its South Hill headquarters to make it easier and quicker for Islanders to obtain advice from officers.
A small team of staff and planners are now available in the department’s reception area during office hours to answer questions from the public.
Leaflets offering guidance and advice about making planning applications have also been simplified in an effort to help customers.
Since the start of the year, home owners now have one form and one set of guidance notes focused on household building alterations.
Previously, there was a choice of 11 forms and four sets of guidance notes.
