Do I need planning permission?

If you live in a house, you can make certain types of minor changes to your home without needing to apply for planning permission.  These are called 'permitted development rights', however, other works and alterations may require planning permission.  Please note that irrespective of whether planning permission is required, approval under Building regulations may be required as they are two separate matters.

The Government has published new legislation in respect of types of development that a householder can carry out without planning permission.  The new legislation came into force on 1 October 2008.  The changes are intended to make it easier to improve a dwelling by relaxing planning controls on smaller extensions. There are also new controls over hard surfaces such as driveways, aimed at reducing water run-off which contributes to flooding.

Visit the  interactive house guide to establish if permission is required, or alternatively you can check a list of  common building projects to see if works you are considering will need permission.

In doubt whether planning permission is required?

If you are in any doubt about whether you need to apply for planning permission, you should contact our Planning team online or by telephoning 01935 462016.

We will be able to give you general advice, but if you want to obtain written confirmation on whether you need planning permission we now offer and additional service where you can apply for a 'Lawful Development Certificate'. This will cost £75 only half of the normal planning fee.

Remember that if you build something which needs planning permission without obtaining permission first, you may be forced to put things right later.  This could prove problematic and sometimes costly and may even result in legal action to require removal of the unauthorised works.

For general advice from one of our planning officers, you can either telephone us on 01935 462016 or contact the Planning team online.

If you would like to attach any relevant supporting documents, please email your request and any supporting attachments to the Planning team.

Please Note:

• We can only provide advice in relation to a specific property and on receipt of sufficient detail regarding your proposals.
• Please include where possible sketches, drawings or photos highlighting your proposals and the existing property.
• Please check if the property is a listed building or in a conservation area.
• We will aim to advise you within ten working days of the officer who will be dealing with your enquiry.
• We may not be able to respond unless you provide full contact details (Name, Address, Telephone Number)
• If you rent the property you should consider discussing any proposals with the property owner in the first instance.
• Charges do not apply for pre-application advice.
• The final decision on planning applications is made by councillors and in some cases senior officers.

Email attachments to the Planning team