Not all works or new uses need planning permission. The information in this page will help you decide.
We offer a number of different ways for you to find out:
- use interactive guides and online guidance on 'permitted development'
- submit an application for a Lawful Development Certificate
- make a formal pre-application enquiry
Permitted development
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (As Amended) grants a range of 'blanket' permissions which allow home owners and businesses to carry out extensions and changes of use without the need for planning permission, provided certain criteria are met.
These are known as 'Permitted Development Rights'. All rights are subject to local constraints, which are shown on this page.
When using our guidance you should ensure you have checked any 'permitted development' constraints on this page. These can mean that you need planning permission even if you would not in normal circumstances
Written confirmation that planning permission is not required
If you think that planning permission is not required for your proposed alterations but you would like confirmation of this in writing, we can provide this service in one of the following ways.
Submit an application for a Lawful Development Certificate
For written confirmation as to whether you would need planning permission it is recommended that you submit an application for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC).
If granted, this will provide a formal determination that your proposed development is lawful (does not require planning permission), something which may come in useful if you intend to sell your property in the future.
The fees for this type of application are as follows:
Use | Fee |
---|---|
Existing use or operation | Same as the full application fee |
Existing use or operation (lawful not to comply with any condition or other limitation) | £298 (will be added to any other fee due) |
Proposed use or operation | Half the full application fee |
Because this is a statutory process, it is likely to take up to 8 weeks.
Make a pre-application enquiry
You can also receive written guidance as to whether planning permission is required by submitting a pre-application enquiry. There is a charge for this service.