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Planning permission not required

Certain works or developments fall under something called 'permitted development rights', meaning that they do not require planning permission from your local planning body to enact. 

These rights are granted by Parliament, and not the local authority, and are included as part of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.

We recommend getting in touch with your local planning authority in the first instance to confirm whether or not you have permitted development rights for any desired building works. 

Exceptions

Please note permitted development rights do not apply to, or may be different for, the following: 

  • flats, maisonettes, or similar leasehold properties
  • commercial properties 
  • listed buildings
  • Conservation Areas
  • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • World Heritage Sites
  • areas under Article 4 Directions

You can find out if any of the above apply to your property using our planning map.

Lawful development certificate

If you want written confirmation from the local building authority that your development does not require planning permission, you can apply for a lawful development certificate. You can apply for this online through the Planning Portal website

Examples

Householder permitted developments are classed from A to H, and are outlined in the government's technical guidance for householders

Some examples of permitted development include: 

  • upgrades to windows or doors
  • conservatory additions
  • single or double storey extensions
  • works to chimneys and their related architecture
  • loft conversions - as long as the additional volume created does not exceed 50m3 or 40m3 for semis and terraced homes
  • solar panels and satellite dishes

Helpful resources

We highly recommend using the Planning Portal's interactive planning tool, which can tell you if your desired works fall under permitted development.