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    Planning advice for householders

    How to apply

    Not all developments require planning permission. You may be able to carry out some minor works without planning permission. These are called permitted development rights. 

    Whether or not you have permitted development rights depends on:

    • what you are proposing to develop

    • what restrictions apply to your area (for example Article 4 directions, conservation areas, listed buildings)

    Find out if you need planning permission (opens new window)

    If you are satisfied that the works you are planning do not require planning permission, and if no other consents are required, you can start work. If you would like formal confirmation of this, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (opens new window). This is a legally binding document which may be required if you come to sell your property in the future.  

    If you do require planning permission, it is important that applicants first understand the local planning restrictions and design guidance. To receive planning permission your proposal must comply with the restrictions to your area.

    Get pre-application planning advice before you apply (opens new window)

    We have created detailed design guidance on alterations and extensions to encourage good design and consistency in planning applications. Before you apply for planning permission we recommend you read our design guidance.

    Check that your design meets our design standards (opens new window)

    If you are ready to apply for planning permission, please use our new submission service.

    Apply for planning permission (opens new window)

    We do not currently charge to use this new application service. Alternatively you can apply through the  Planning Portal (opens new window)

    After you apply

    If restrictions apply, get permitted development advice

    If you're still unsure, we offer a service that can help. Our find out if you need Planning Permission service can tell you if you need to get planning permission. There is a small fee for this service.

    The  Planning Portal (opens new window) can help assess whether your proposed works need planning permission. Their useful information includes:

    The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government offers permitted development technical guidance (opens new window).

    Prior approval 

    Certain rear extensions need prior approval before starting work. You can find details of these on the Planning Portal (opens new window). 

    If you do need planning permission

    • Get pre-application planning advice
      If you do discover that you need planning permission, we recommend you use our will I get planning permission advice service. This can help you find out if you are likely to get permission before you apply. We advise you do this to help ensure your application is complete and accurate first time. There is a small fee for this service.

    • Check that your design meets our design standards
      We have created detailed design guidance on alterations and extensions to encourage good design and consistency in planning applications. Before you apply for planning permission we recommend you read our householder alterations design guide. (opens new window).

    • Apply for planning permission
      If you are ready, you should apply for planning permission (opens new window)using our new submission service.

    Apply for Planning Permission (opens new window)

    Alternatively you can apply through the  Planning Portal (opens new window)

    Depending on what work you are doing you might also need building regulations approval for proposed alterations and development. You can get further advice about the differences between planning and building control (opens new window) on the Planning Portal.

    After you apply

    Timescales and decision 

    • our formal decision will be stated on a decision notice/letter normally within 8 weeks of submission 
    • the decision notice/letter will list the approved documents (if applicable) 
    • the decision notice/letter will explain why the application was refused (if applicable) 
    • a copy of the decision notice will be emailed to the applicant 

    What to do after a planning decision

    After a planning decision has been made there may be other conditions attached to our decision. Find out more about discharging planning conditions, other consents for planning permission and non-material amendments. See what to do after a planning decision.

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    House alterations or extensions