You can make certain types of minor changes to your house or business without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called permitted development rights and often apply provided the affected building is not a listed building.
Advice on the planning portal
The Planning Portal's interactive guidance for householders is a great tool that's designed to help you understand what needs planning permission. The Planning Portal website also has guidance on planning and building regulations for a list of common projects.
You can also find out how much you will pay for your planning application using the Planning Portal's online fee calculator.
Other Circumstances to Consider
Depending on where you live, you may need additional permissions/consents, or you may need planning permission even if people living elsewhere don’t. Examples of this include listed buildings, external works to buildings in conservation areas and buildings where permitted development rights have been withdrawn.
In exceptional cases, permitted development rights may have been withdrawn from a property. In these circumstances, a planning application may be necessary. To find out if this is the case please Contact Us with details of your proposal and your address.
Non-residential development
If your proposal is for a business or commercial venture you may wish to consider the advice on the Planning Portal or seek pre-application planning advice. For example some forms of commercial development and changes of use may not require planning permission.
Always check
The laws governing whether or not planning permission is required are complex, therefore it is always advisable to consult us prior to undertaking development to check whether planning permission is needed. If you are at all unsure about whether you need to apply for planning permission please Contact Us.
Please be aware that it is not possible to tell you over the phone whether or not planning permission is required. You will need to write to the Council with specific details of your proposal to avoid any confusion.
Last Updated: 31/08/2023