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Do I need planning permission?

Changes to Permitted Development Rights

The government have announced that as of 1 October 2008 householders’ rights will change which means you can carry out certain work without the need for planning permission, making it easier for people to improve their homes.

The new rules shift the emphasis from a volume based approach to an impact based system taking in to account distances, depths and heights of a development.

Please note: The rules only apply to houses which are occupied by one household, in other words planning laws remain unchanged for people living in any other kind of property, including flats and maisonettes.

A user guide highlighting which building works are allowed under the new permitted development rights regime and an interactive guide to home improvements can be found on the Planning Portal website (please see external links section below).

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Do I need planning permission?

Sometimes it is not clear whether or not planning permission is needed. Planning permission is necessary for a wide range of developments from large scale constructions and extensions to minor alterations to buildings in certain instances.

Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is known as permitted development.

Please note that if planning permission is required for a development, work must not begin until permission has been obtained.

When permission is required

The following guide will help you to determine whether you require permission:

If you intend to construct a new building or alter the appearance of an existing building, you will probably require planning permission.
If you intend to change the use of a building there are some occasions when you will need planning permission, please see Use Class Order sheet in the attached files section below for further information.
If you intend to alter the appearance of a listed building, externally or internally,you will probably require Listed Building Consent.
If you intend to demolish an unlisted building that is situated inside a Conservation area, you will require Conservation Area Consent.
If you intend to display a new advertisement or sign, you will probably require Advertisement Consent.
If you intend to fell or prune a tree which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or which is in a conservation area, you will probably be required to gain written consent from the council or formally notify the Council first.
If you are carrying out new building work, you will probably have to comply with Building Regulations. Please see the Building Control pages for further guidance.

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Guides and other help

Guides for Householders

The Planning Portal has useful information for householders when considering making a planning application. This includes planning and building regulations guidance for many common building work projects for the home. On this page you can also read case studies outlining people’s real experiences of tackling a number of the projects and also important information and guidance on your responsibilities when considering and undertaking building work.

The Planning Portal have also created an Interactive House which is a useful visual guide that outlines common household projects (for both of these guides see external links section below). Please note: The Interactive House incorporates the recent changes to Permitted Development.

The Planning Portal also offers a volume calculator to help you calculate the area and volume of your works to see if planning permission is required. It is vital to know the volume of a proposed development if you are planning a new building or extending an existing one (see the external links section below).

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have produced two guides that are also useful source of reference for householders.

Planning: A Guide for Householders
A Householders Planning Guide for the Installation of Antennas, including Satellite Dishes

You can find these guides via the external links section below.

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Guides for Businesses

The Planning Portal has useful information for businesses seeking advice on making a planning application. This includes information on the common types of applications for businesses, this information can be viewed via the external links section below.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have produced a guide for businesses.

Planning Permission: A Guide for Business

This guide is available via the external links section below.

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Permitted Development

If your development falls under the category of Permitted Development, you do not need to contact the Planning Service before starting work. However, it is recommended that you obtain a Certificate of Lawfulness which is useful when you are selling your property.

Please see the external links section below for more information on Permitted Development.

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