Do I need planning permission?

Some types of building or extension are excluded from needing 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 in the city can be extended or altered within specified limits or thresholds (Permitted Development Rights) without the need to apply for planning permission. It is essential that you compare your proposals with these limitations and thresholds before submitting your full application.

Information about permitted development rights can be found on the Office of Public Sector Information website. Look for references to The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, including references to any subsequent amendments.

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.

The following information will help you gain advice and find out more information before you to decide to make a planning application.

A guide for householders

This is a well-written and easy to read publication, which takes you through all types of domestic proposals and explains when they require planning permission. The booklet is available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister website or at our Planning Reception Desk on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.

Planning: A Guide for Householders

A guide for business

This booklet is a guide to the planning system for businesses. It provides guidance on when planning permission is required, how to make a planning application, and what happens afterwards. The booklet is available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister website or at our Planning Reception Desk on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.

Planning Permission: A Guide for Business

The Planning Portal

The Planning Portal is a one-stop-shop for all planning information and services. On the Planning Portal website you will find extensive information about the planning system, applying for planning permission, development in your area as well as the latest government policy.

The Planning Portal

Your builder, architect, draftsman, planning consultant, or product supplier may also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not you need planning permission for your scheme. However, if there is any doubt you may need to seek a formal decision.

If, having followed the advice contained in this guidance note you still remain unsure if planning permission is required, or if you wish to have formal written confirmation that permission is not required, then you will need to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development.

The following are common examples of when you will need to apply for planning permission:

• You want to make additions or extensions to a flat or maisonette (including those converted from houses) You do not need planning permission to carry out internal alterations or work which does not affect the external appearance of the building.
• You want to divide off part of your house for use as a separate home (for example, a self-contained flat or bed-sit) or use a caravan in your garden as a home for someone else. You do not normally need planning permission to let one or two of your rooms to lodgers.
• You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use (for example, a workshop) or you want to build a parking place for a commercial vehicle at your home.
• You want to build something that goes against the terms of the original planning permission for your house (for example, your house may have been built with a restriction to stop people putting up fences in front gardens because it is on an “open plan” estate). The Planning department will have a record of all planning permissions in its area.
• The work you want to do might obstruct the view of road users.
• The work would involve a new or wider access to a trunk or classified road.

Where can I obtain free advice?

South West Planning Aid is an organisation that provides free advice and support if you need help with planning problems but cannot afford to pay planning consultant’s fees.

• Planning Advice Helpline website
• Royal Town Planning Institute website

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