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Do I Need Planning Permission?

Some very minor development can be undertaken without the need for planning permission.   This is often referred to as "permitted development".

With effect from 1 October 2008 the Government has introduced some amendments to the definition of "permitted development" for work to people's homes.  The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No 2) (England) Order 2008 amends Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (the GPDO) and puts in place a new permitted development regime for householders.

The key change is that the previous allowance to build extensions to a property up to 70 cubic metres or 15% without planning permission will no longer apply.  Instead the limits will be defined by maximum dimensions and distances.

Other changes affect loft conversions, roof alterations, other buildings in the garden, paving over the garden or drive and renewable energy equipment.

The changes do not alter the need to also obtain approval under the Building Regulations for most new work.

For further clarification about the new "permitted development" legislation, please contact the Planning Department.