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DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK TO ENSURE THAT PERMISSION IS NOT NEEDED FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.

The construction of new buildings or a fundamental change of use of premises will, in most cases, require planning permission.

However, there are some forms of development which do not require planning consent. For example, planning permission is not generally needed for internal alterations to buildings, for small external works, or most works of repair and maintenance; except perhaps on listed buildings where more restrictive rules apply.

Limited changes of use may also be permitted if they are ancillary to the main use, or are so minor as to be inconsequential (deminimus) in planning terms.

Certain forms of development are granted consent by statute or other statutory instruments and generally referred to as Permitted Development Rights.

Go to 'Permitted Development'
to find out whether you can carry out your proposal without planning permission.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 [GPDO] and the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes Order) 1987 [UCO] are the principle sources of information in this regard.

There are limits to the extent of permitted development and different rules apply for Listed Buildings or properties in Conservation Areas. Equally, additional restrictions apply in some areas of the country such as a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other high amenity areas such as Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means that you may need to apply for permission for some types of development in these areas that you would not need to do elsewhere.

Your Council may have specifically removed your permitted development rights by issuing an Article 4 Direction, or by applying planning conditions to a previous grant of planning consent.

How Can I be Certain?

If you remain unsure about your position you should:-

 Contact the planning department of your local authority who will be able to provide informal advice. Local Authority A- Z Links

 If you need formal clarification then, on payment of a fee, you can apply to the Council for a Lawful Development Certificate.

 Contact the e-service.