Whether you need planning permission to alter or extend your property will depend on the size and position of what you want to do. Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is known as 'permitted development'.
Our 'Do I Need Planning Permission?' form can be downloaded below to help you get informal advice about whether you are likely to need planning permission to carry out improvement works on your home; or build an extension or out-building.
Please note you should only use this form for alterations to a domestic property and should not use it for housing developments, commercial alterations, agricultural activities, or changes of use.
Most alterations to business premises do need planning permission, including:
- all shop and office extensions;
- alterations to shop fronts;
- external security shutters or grilles.
- You may need planning permission to change the use of your property, for example from a shop to an office or from a house to bedsits.
The Planning Portal have provided an interactive house and terrace guide containing information for householders on Planning and Building regulations for common household projects showing what can be built without planning permission.
Interactive House:
Interactive Terrace:
The Planning Portal mini-guides provide visual clarification of the permitted development rules for specific projects:
