General planning advice

Before you start any building project, you should check whether you need planning permission using the national Planning Portal. If you start work without planning permission, you may have to take down or undo any improvements or adjustments you have made. You may also need building regulations approval.

The Planning Portal provides guidance on planning permission for common home building projects, new buildings, change of use, and building alterations, as well as listed buildings, conservation areas and areas of land designated as green belt.

Interactive guidance is available for residential properties. 

There is also information and guidance in the links listed on this page and more widely on the internet.

Permitted development rights

Certain works can be carried out without the need to apply for planning permission. This is known as 'permitted development'.
For guidance on whether the works you are proposing fall within permitted development, visit Planning Portal - permitted development.

Which type of consent do I need?

The type of permission required can vary depending on the nature of the works being carried out. Visit the Planning Portal for information on the different types of consent available.

Planning enforcement

Planning enforcement is the process by which we ensure that development without planning permission is investigated, and new development with planning permission takes place in accordance with the approved plans and conditions.

This service investigates complaints and controls, monitors development on the ground to ensure that it accords with approved plans, and that any agreed changes continue to respect and protect the environment. Contact Planning enforcement.

Can I get confirmation that I don't need permission?

If you are satisfied that your proposed works do not require planning permission, you can apply for confirmation in the form of a lawful development certificate.

A lawful development certificate (LDC) is a legal document stating the lawfulness of past, present or future building use, operations, or other matters. If granted by the Local Planning Authority (LPA), the certificate signifies that enforcement action cannot be carried out against the development referred to in the certificate. However, the certificate will not protect from enforcement action by the planning authority if the specified use is then changed 'materially' without a planning application for it.

A successful application for an LDC is not a replacement for planning permission. You must still get Planning permission separately for any development or use which is not covered by an LDC.

Do I need planning permission / consent?  

This is the most commonly asked question - and having confirmation of the answer can provide peace of mind and save time and money before embarking on a project.

What we offer

If, after using the above links and guidance, you are still unsure whether planning permission is required for your proposed works, we can provide informal confirmation of this from a planning officer. Please note that this service cannot provide Listed Building or advice regarding tree enquiries.

If you know that permission is required and require detailed advice before making an application, consider our pre-application (pre-app) planning advice service.

Do I need planning permission? fees and response time

 Apply and pay for general planning advice

You can pay in the form, either by card or by BACS bank transfer.

Apply and pay for general planning advice