Do I Need Permission?
General Guidance
Planning permission is required for most forms of development. New buildings, extensions, material changes of use of buildings or land and the demolition of dwellings are all classed as 'development'. The display of most advertisement signs, pruning or felling of protected trees, works affecting listed buildings and works in conservation areas all require types of formal consents under planning laws.
Please note that Building Control Consent may also be required and the advice of the Building Control section should be sought. See also Planning Permission compared to Building Control Consent.
Minor Improvements
Some types of building or extension to houses are excluded from the need for planning permission. These works are known as permitted development. The legislation that sets out what is permitted development is contained within the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. The majority of dwellings can be extended or altered within the limits or thresholds specified in the legislation (Permitted Development Rights) without the need to apply for planning permission. The legislation is complex and has been amended with effect from 1st October 2008, and it is always advisable to check with a Planning Officer prior to carrying out any work.
Please note that minor works to dwellings in Northgate Conservation Area are restricted by an Article 4 Direction.
Planning applications received by the Council for domestic schemes will be processed on the basis of planning permission being required for the specified works. The Council will not consider within this process specifically whether planning permission is required.
Specific Guidance
Guidance is provided on the Planning Portal website on certain specific types of development, as follows: