Do I need planning permission?
Depending on what you want to do, you may or may not need planning permission.
You'll probably need planning permission if ...
The laws governing whether or not you'll need planning permission are complex, but you'll probably need planning permission if you want to:
- build something new
- make a major change to your building - see guidance on extensions on the Planning Portal website
- change the use of your building
- make changes to a listed building
- make changes to your home if it is in a conservation area
If you are making minor changes to your house/business, these could be considered permitted development, and may not require planning permission - visit the Planning Portal website to find out more.
The Planning Portal's guidance for householders is a great tool that's designed to help you understand what needs planning permission, by explaining the new rules for each part of the house you click on. It also has guidance on planning and building regulations for a list of common development projects.
Use our pre-application service
If you need planning permission, from an extension to a new shopping or commercial development, we recommend you consider using our pre-app service - this can save you time and money in the long-run. Advice will be provided by an case officer in the planning team, and is always based on the information provided to the council, and is not binding.
Pre-application advice starts at just £63 for householders.
Apply for pre-application advice
Alternatively, you can apply yourself, or work with a professional agent, to get your application ready for consideration:
Don't forget about building control advice ...
Irrespective of whether you need planning permission, you will still need building control advice to ensure your build meets required building control regulations.
Any questions
If you are at all unsure about whether you need planning permission, always contact our development management team.