1. Find out if you need planning permission
Some types of development do not need planning permission. This is called permitted development.
It is your responsibility to find out if you need planning permission or not.
You can find out more about whether you need
planning permission on some of the most common types of projects such as loft conversions, porches and smaller single storey house extensions.
Some properties have the permitted development rights removed or restricted, which means you may have to apply for planning permission. Please
contact us for this information.
Warning
Larger House Extensions
The increased size limits for single-storey rear extensions that were previously time limited have now been made permanent.
For some work which is permitted development, including change of use, you will still need to notify us through the prior approvals process.
If your development is greater than 100 square metres of net additional floorspace you may need to pay the
Community Infrastructure Levy and notify us before development starts.
Retrospective planning permission
If you have built something that requires planning permission and you have not had approval, we may ask you to submit a retrospective planning application for the work that you have already carried out. This does not mean that permission will automatically be granted.
You can apply for retrospective planning permission on the Planning Portal.
Apply for retrospective planning permission online External link
How to get proof that your development is legal
This is often most useful if you are selling your house or a piece of land. You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) to get proof that:
- the existing use of or work to a building is lawful for planning purposes and didn’t need planning permission
- your proposed use or development of a building does not require planning permission
More details about
how and when to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate are available on the Planning Portal.
Temporary structures for hospitality venues and visitor attractions
On 16 April 2021 the Government introduced
changes to The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2015 to allow hospitality venues (pubs, cafes, restaurants) and historic visitor attractions to erect temporary moveable structures (such as gazebos and marquees) to increase seating capacity and support the economic recovery of the sector.
These changes apply until 1 January 2022 after which time the moveable structures must be removed.
The following conditions also apply:
- the moveable structure must be erected within the premises' boundary
- the moveable structure must not be used for the display of advertisements
- the provisions do not apply to scheduled monuments
- the moveable structure must not cause the alteration, demolition or extension of a listed building
You can apply for a
Lawful Development Certificate for confirmation that permission is not required.
See the validation requirements for details of what you need to include with your application.
The Planning Portal also has guidance on how to get a certificate for a listed building external link.
Houses in multiple occupation
Permitted development rights have been removed for the conversion of a dwelling house into a
house in multiple occupation (HMO) in some wards. If you wish to apply for an HMO in an area affected by the
Article 4 direction, you will need to make a planning application.
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Phone
0113 222 4409
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