This depends on 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”.
It often depends on whether your dwelling has been extended previously. Even if you now only want to put a conservatory on your home, if you have already had a previous extension, it is likely that you may need planning permission.
Planning permission is normally needed in the following examples:
- dormer window in the roof of your house facing the road
- two storey extension
- extension to the front of your house, or to the side if it faces a road.
Whether you need planning permission to alter or extend your house depends on the size of what you want to do. You may need to know the volume of your proposed extension. The volume calculator may help.
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 for change of use of your property, for example change of use from domestic dwelling to offices.
Satellite dishes are often difficult to locate in an acceptable position. The satellite locator can advise you if you need permission and give you an idea if permission is likely to be granted.
General advice is available from the Planning Portal 
It is best to contact us first before you start. We will ask you to fill in a Permitted Development form; we will then do the research and establish whether a planning application is required. It is useful to keep this information as you may be asked for this if you decide to sell your property.
The Householder Leaflet is also available for general advice and is free of charge.
Building work: will I need anything else?
If you want to carry out any building work you may need Planning Permission, Building Regulation Approval or both. If you want to do work to a Listed Building or a property in a Conservation Area, you need other types of permission and you may need Advertisement Consent if you want to put an advert on a property.
Types of Permissions
Here we give some advice on these types of permissions, but it is your responsibility to get the permissions you need.
Did you know? – Building Regulations Approval is entirely separate from Planning Permission – one does not give you the other.·
- Planning Permission aims to protect and improve the quality of the environment and to ensure new development is well designed, it is in the right place and that its effect will not harm the environment or neighbouring properties.
To make sure this process is fair and consistent; we follow a number of policies and guidelines. These are available to view online: click here.
- Building Regulations are concerned with the actual construction process of a development to protect the health and safety of people in and around the property. They lay down stages of construction of all types of buildings such as foundations, fire protection, also ensure that people have adequate access and facilities within public buildings.
Not only will the plans for your proposed development be checked, the work will be inspected while it is being built.
If everything meets the regulations a Completion Certificate will be issued. This document needs to be kept safe as your solicitor may be asked for this document should you decide to sell the property any time in the future. Click here for more information on Building Services·
- Listed Building Consent aims to protect and enhance buildings of national historic interest, known as Listed Buildings. It may be required if you propose to do any alterations or demolition (inside or out) that affect the character of a Listed Building·
- Conservation Area Consent may be needed for demolishing part of your property if you live in a Conservation Area·
- Advertisement Consent may be required if you intend to put an advert·
- Works to Trees will require consent if the tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area
Other Related LInks
Guide to Making an Application
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for Planning Permission
How Do I Apply for Planning Permission
Planning Applications
Informals - Am I Likely to Get Planning Permission
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