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Advice for planning permission

Do I need planning permission?

Residential Properties
Please refer to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister online leaflet which outlines guidance for residential properties, and explains the limits and regulations to which you can extend and alter your property without the need for planning permission.

From April 2009 charges apply for written pre-planning permission advice (fee not applied to Householders) - download fee charges Opens in a new window

Important: changes to Permitted Development Rights for Householders are effective from 1 October 2008.

For more information please see the main Planning Pages

• View the Visual Guide for Householders (Interactive House and other common household projects: Lofts and Porches) Opens in a new window
• View the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) information on A Guide for Householders Opens in a new window

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 defines classes of permitted development, generally minor in character, which do not require planning permission. The order includes minor alterations to residential buildings and certain agricultural buildings, as well as certain changes of use defined within the Use Classes Order. The Department for Community and Local Government guidance leaflet "Planning: A Guide for Householders," is a plain English summary of the Statutory Instrument which can be viewed in full online at Her Majesty's Stationery Office internet site.

• View General Permitted Development Order 1995 Opens in a new window

Business Permission for Businesses
If you own a business and would like guidance with respect to the planning system, business uses, and the relevant planning requirements, please refer to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) guide. (Page 5 includes a section on whether planning permission is required when working from home as a business.)

• View the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) information on Opens in a new window A Guide for Business Opens in a new window
• View the Planning Portals Planning Guide for Small Businesses Opens in a new window

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 prescribes classes of land use within which change can take place without requiring planning permission. Please refer to the Statutory Instrument available online at Her Majesty's Stationery Office internet site for further details.

• View Use Classes Order 1987 Opens in a new window