The Need for Planning Permission

Not all development requires planning permission and can be carried out without the need to apply to the local planning authority.  This is known as "permitted development" and often referred to as PD.  Therefore, if you are intending to extend or alter your property it is recommended you use the guidance and links below to determine whether or not you need permission. 

The Council, as the local planning authority, can provide written confirmation of whether or not planning permission is required however please be advised this is a chargeable service (currently £40).  See the permitted development enquiry service page for further information.

• The Planning Portal provides information relating to the need for planning permission.
• Planning Portal Guidance on planning and building regulations is available for many common projects in the home
• The Interactive House Guide is a tool which outlines common household projects.
• The Interactive Terrace Guide gives help on projects relating to terraced properties.
• The Volume calculator works out the size of your project to help you decide if planning permission is needed.
• The Satellite dish/antenna guide gives help on the need for planning permission for satellite dishes and antenna.
• Greener Homes and micro generation - Planning Portal advice on green energy projects and energy saving

Home owners should be aware that the Planning Portal is unable to give specific advice relating to individual properties. For example, it does not contain information on whether or not a property is Listed, located within a Conservation Area or subject to restrictive conditions attached to previous planning permissions.

Common examples of when you will need to for apply for planning permission

• You want to make additions or extensions to a flat or maisonette, including those converted from houses. (But you do not need planning permission to carry out internal alterations or work which does not affect the external appearance of the building.)
• You want to divide off part of your house for use as a separate home (for example, a self-contained flat or bed-sit) or use a caravan in your garden as a home for someone else. (But you do not need planning permission to let one or two of your rooms to lodgers.)
• You want to build a separate house in your garden.
• You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use (for example, a workshop) or you want to build a parking place for a commercial vehicle at your home.
• You want to build something which goes against the terms of the original planning permission for your house - for example, your house may have been built with a restriction to stop people putting up fences in front gardens because it is on an "open plan" estate. The Council has a record of all planning permissions in its area.
• The work you want to do might obstruct the view of road users.
• The work would involve a new or wider access to a trunk or classified road.
• You want to alter the use of a building (change of use).

You do not always need planning permission. It is not required, generally speaking, for changes to the inside of buildings, or for small alterations to the outside such as the installation of telephone connections and alarm boxes. Other small changes, for example putting up walls and fences below a certain height, have a general planning permission for which a specific application is not required.

Planning Portal advice on

• Outbuildings
• Conservatories
• Porches
• Loft conversion
• Extensions
• Patios and Driveways
• Garage conversion
• Wind turbines
• Windows

In addition to planning permission you may also require other consents. 

Further advice and information including a list of frequently asked questions is available on the Planning Portal.

• Planning Portal advice on Building Regulations 
• Permitted Development Enquiry Service
• Planning Portal guide for small businesses