1. Do I need planning permission? Would I get planning permission?

Do I need planning permission?

If you’re planning to carry out building work or changes to your property, you may need permission to do this. 

If you are unsure if you require planning permission or not (or you just require a formal decision for your records for any future sale of your property) you can apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed).

Unfortunately, we cannot answer if you need planning permission by email or telephone.

There are, however, things you can check yourself to decide if you need permission or not.  These are as follows:

1. Permitted Developments: Check if the work you are planning is considered permitted development.  This detail can be found in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
2. Local Constraints:  Check for any local constraints that may mean special restrictions will apply for you to consider.
3. Research the works you are planning.  Various tools available include:
• Common projects guidance - The Planning Portal
• Interactive Guides - The Planning Portal
• Speak to an independent Planning Professional
• Understand the different types of a planning application available
4. Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) if you are still unsure.  

We strongly encourage homeowners to research the project they are considering. The  Planning Portal is designed to help process planning applications in England and Wales and provides comprehensive guidance on the types of developments allowed and common projects.  Alternatively, we would encourage you to speak to an independent planning professional who will be able to give you advice. 

Prefer a definite answer about your planned works?

If you would like us to confirm in writing as to whether you need planning permission for your project, you should now apply for: Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed Development).

To find out more about Lawful Development Certificates visit: Lawful development certificate -Planning Portal.

To apply online visit our website for full details.

Would I get planning permission?

We encourage early discussions with those considering new development within the Borough. Our Pre application advice service provides professional guidance from qualified planning officers, using national and local policies to assess the likelihood of obtaining planning permission before you submit a formal application. Pre-application advice helps you prepare thoroughly for a formal planning application.

What you need to do:

If you want to apply for pre application advice, here's what we need:

• Site location plan with the site of the proposal clearly marked (to a recognised scale, north point, etc);
• Block plan;
• Existing and proposed sketch drawings to a recognised scale;
• Photos – labelled where appropriate (where no site visit is required);
• Depending on the scale and nature of the proposal, other relevant supporting information such as a design and access statement or access and parking arrangements;

You will need to include all of the above list to ensure we can process your request and provide the most effective advice.

Apply for advice on our website using our online form. We do not accept requests via email.

Visit our dedicated pre application advice web pages to apply and for everything you need to know, including costs.