Find out if you need planning permission

Government legislation grants automatic planning permission for certain types of development (for example, certain types of extensions and alterations). Such development is called 'permitted development', and does not require planning permission from the council.

Part of the legislation relates to works to houses, and this is what is usually meant when most people talk about 'permitted development' rights.

Although most houses benefit from these permitted development rights, there are several exceptions, including the following:

• Flats and maisonettes (whether purpose-built or converted) do not benefit from these types of permitted development rights.
• Some houses have had their permitted development rights removed by an Article 4 direction if there is a condition on a previous planning permission on your property.
• If a house benefits from permitted development rights but is situated within a conservation area, then its rights will be reduced (for example, no side extension or no roof extensions).
• If a house benefits from permitted development rights but is a listed building, then its rights will be reduced (for example, no outbuildings) and most works will still require listed building consent.

The council is developing a free online help tool to help you check if your development has permitted development rights. 

You can also find out more about permitted development rights at the Planning Portal. 

If you do require planning permission, find out about the planning application process.

Other approvals 

Even if you have permitted development rights, approval may still be required under other areas of legislation, such as the Building Regulations, and the Party Wall Act (links to the Planning Portal), and so on.