Find out if you need planning permission
Some types of development do not need planning permission. This is called permitted development. In some areas permitted development rights may be restricted, for example, if you are in a conservation area.
Find out whether you need planning permission on some of the most common types of projects. Common projects include, loft conversions, porches and smaller single storey house extensions.
The link above takes you to the Planning Portal website, where you can access guidance on common projects, along with the Interactive House, which is a very helpful tool.
The Planning Portal also provides general advice on whether planning permission is required, and it offers a paid option to ‘speak to an expert’. However, the pre‑application service provided by the Planning Portal is entirely independent of the advice given by your local planning authority. It does not replace or reflect the specific, site‑based guidance your local authority may provide.
For the most accurate and relevant advice regarding your proposal, it is recommended that you seek pre‑application guidance directly from your local authority, as they are the decision‑makers for planning applications in your area and can offer tailored advice based on the specific details of your site.
You will need to apply for planning permission for most major changes to buildings or a change of use.
It is your responsibility to find out if you need planning permission or not.
Need further help to determine?
We know how confusing it can be, so we offer a paid for service where we will do the checks to determine whether you need to apply for planning permission or not.
Service detail:
- the appropriate fee for the enquiry (see our pre-application advice service for more details)
- we confirm whether you need to apply for planning permission
- you only need to provide basic sketch plans, making sure that dimensions are clearly indicated (in metres, not feet)
- you get a decision from the council within 28 days stating whether or not you need to apply for planning approval
- our decision is written advice if planning permission is required, which is useful when selling your home
Need help with your application?
Once you know that you need planning permission, we can check if your plans are likely to be approved before you make the formal application, saving you time and money.
See our Pre-application advice service for more details.
If you do not need planning permission
You may not need planning permission but you could still need building regulations approval.
Prior approval and notification
You may need to let us know what you are going to do, this is known as prior approval, which is required for:
- larger home extensions
- agricultural or forestry developments
- demolition of buildings
- developments for electronic communications networks
- some changes of use
Getting proof that your development is legal
If your development is permitted development you can get proof by applying for a lawful development certificate. There are two kinds of certificate:
- for proposed work
- for work which has already been done, including those in breach of a planning condition