Do I need Planning Permission?

On this page:

• Check if you need planning permission 
• Permitted development rights 
• The Planning Portal 
• Lawful Development Certificates
• Advice on your planning application 

Check if you need planning permission

Whether you need planning permission depends on what you want to do and where your property is.

Some residential property alterations and extensions do not need planning permission. These are known as 'permitted development'.

We can't give informal advice about whether you need planning permission. However, you can:

• Find guidance and check most types of works on the national Planning Portal website
• Apply for a 'Lawful Development Certificate' if you want formal confirmation that your existing or proposed development is lawful, meaning it does not require planning permission.

Permitted development rights

You can carry out certain types of work without needing to apply for planning permission, under 'permitted development rights'.

However, these rights may be restricted if your property:

• is a Listed Buildings
• is within a conservation area
• is within an area covered by an Article 4 Direction
• has planning conditions from when it was built that restrict permitted development rights.

Beware that permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for dwelling houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings. Similarly, commercial properties have different permitted development rights to dwellings.

Even where planning permission is not required, you may still need building regulations approval. You may want to consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate for confirmation.

For further advice on building regulations visit: CNC Building Control

The Planning Portal

The national, Government backed Planning Portal website provides further general advice on whether you need planning permission and options to pay for specific expert advice.

It includes an interactive house feature that gives specific guidance on common householder projects. Beware that the Planning Portal cannot confirm whether your permitted development rights have been restricted or removed.

See:

• Planning Portal - Do I need permission?
• Planning Portal - interactive house

Lawful Development Certificates

If you want formal confirmation that:

• your existing building use is lawful for planning purposes, or
• your proposed development does not require planning permission

you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.

A Lawful Development Certificate is similar to a planning application in that it creates a legally binding decision. It can be useful when you sell your property. This is because solicitors may ask for information to show permission was not required for works to your property. 

We suggest that you use an agent to help you with your application. This will help you to provide the right information and use the best type of application. 

To apply, please submit the relevant form and plans to us:

If your Certificate of Lawfulness is refused, it means we have determined that planning permission is required. You can then apply for formal planning permission for the proposed works. If you disagree with our decision, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Its details will be listed on the back of your decision notice. 

For details of fees, see: Fees for Planning Applications in England

Advice on your planning application

If you know that you need planning permission, but want to know what our views are before you submit your formal application, we offer a pre-application service.

This service will help you to understand how our policies apply to your development and the information you need to submit with your application. Whilst it doesn't guarantee permission will be granted as it is an informal view from a planning officer, it will indicate if your proposal is acceptable. 

Please note that enquiries are not treated as confidential.

If you're unsure if you need planning permission, please return to the top of this page: Check if you need planning permission