Do I Need Planning Permission

Planning permission is required for most forms of development. There are some minor forms of development that do not require planning permission and these are usually referred to as  permitted development  (PD).

The general guidance can be found on the appropriate links below, but there are other factors that may need to be considered such as whether the property is listed, in a conservation area, covered by an Article 4 Direction or had its  permitted development rights  removed.

Householder development

Visit the Planning Portal's Interactive House - planning related guidance for householders:

General guidance on common projects e.g. conservatories, porches etc.

Information on permitted development rights and hard-standings

The Statutory Instrument that enables development within the curtilage of a dwelling house: a copy of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Order, 2008

Circular 10/2005: Permitted Development Rights for Antennas (aerials and satellite dishes) or a simplified version can be found on the Planning Portal

If it appears that planning permission is not required once you have viewed the criteria or you are not sure, you are advised to forward a rough, dimensioned sketch of your proposal and covering letter to us explaining what you want to do so that a double check can be made. Alternatively, please use the enquiry form.

Other types of development

New buildings, alterations or enlargements of existing buildings and changes of use of buildings or land are usually considered to be development and will normally need planning permission.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2010 which came into force on 6 April 2010, amends existing statutory provisions in relation to:

• the scope of non-domestic permitted development
• the procedure for making local directions restricting permitted development
• permitted development for changes of use from houses in multiple occupation to dwelling houses

Guidance and advice relating to changes of use

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) website will help you to find out whether planning permission is required for various categories of development.

Planning Permission: A Guide for Businesses

A Farmer's Guide to the Planning System

Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers

If it appears that planning permission is not required once you have viewed the criteria, you are advised to forward a rough, dimensioned sketch of your proposal to us so that a double check can be made.

Please contact our Building Control team to check whether your proposal requires Building Regulations approval.