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Do I Need Planning Permission
This depends on what you want to do. Some minor alterations and extensions, can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is known as Permitted Development. Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed which means you may have to submit a planning application for works which don’t normally need one so it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before you start any works. If your property is listed or in a designated area such as a Conservation Area or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty then a different set of requirements apply. For more information see the Permitted Development page on the Planning Portal.
The Planning Portal Interactive Guide
For a simplified interactive guide on planning permission and building regulations for projects around your house visit the Planning Portal Interactive House, the Planning Portal Interactive Terrace or view the mini guides for porches, extensions, loft conversions and conservatories or visit the "Do I Need Permission" page on the Planning Portal.
To view the changes which took place to planning legislation on 1 October 2008 click here: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008 No. 2362.
For more complex issues, or questions regarding specific applications, to contact the Planning Customer Support Team using one of our dedicated enquiry forms. For major developments, planning officers will usually meet with you. In other cases, this is not always possible.
It is important to check if you need Building Regulations approval before you start any works too, check the Building Control summary page for more information.
The Planning Enquiry form (PDF, 87kb) can be used if you are seeking advice on whether or not your domestic project (e.g. extensions and outbuildings) requires planning permission.
The Preliminary Enquiry form (PDF, 50kb) can be used if you require an informal opinion about the potential acceptability of a planning application for e.g. a change of use or erection of new dwellings. Please do not use this form for domestic extensions or outbuildings.
Important Notes When Completing the Forms
Both forms are intended to be used for guidance only and they do not constitute a formal planning application or lawful development certificate. Any misrepresentation or failure to declare information can lead to unreliable advice and may result in unauthorised development. It is at your own risk, if you carry out any works without the appropriate consent(s) from the Local Planning Authority.
When using these forms it is essential that you provide full and accurate information, so that any advice given is not based on partial information. All pre-application advice is informal only, and cannot prejudice the decision of any eventual application. Planning officers will strive to give high quality advice. However, the acceptability or otherwise of a proposal can only be fully tested through the submission of an application. The application process includes publicising the application and carrying out consultations and further investigations. All relevant comments and information gained through the application process must be fully considered in coming to a decision on the application.
For more complex issues, or questions regarding specific applications, please contact Planning team using one of the methods below.
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