Do I need planning permission?

New buildings, major alterations, enlargement of existing buildings and changes in the use of buildings and land are defined as development. You are responsible for establishing the necessary permissions, consents and approvals required. If you start work on property or land without obtaining the correct permission, you could be required to put things back to how they were. For more information, pleasevisit the Planning Portal (opens new window) .

Development will normally require planning permission. The exceptions to this are set out below:

Permitted Development

Some minor residential development may qualify as Permitted Development and will not require planning permission. Examples include:

• Extensions to houses.
• Erecting outbuildings to be used in connection with an existing dwelling.
• The installation of satellite dishes. 
• The erection of boundary treatments to any property subject to height/location restrictions.

The council does not provide advice on permitted development rights.

Take a look at thePlanning Portal Interactive House (opens new window)  for more information.

Prior Approvals

The prior approval process only applies to larger single-storey rear extensions. It is not possible to undertake this process retrospectively.

This is defined as extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by:

• Over four and up to eight metres for detached houses, and
• Over three and up to six metres for all other houses.

If you wish to build an extension of this size, you must apply to the local authority, who will then consult the adjoining neighbours to advise them of your proposals.

Changes of Use

Article 3 of General Permitted Development Order, permits development subject to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order and Regulations 75 to 78 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Regulations 75 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations requires development permitted under the general permitted development order (i.e. Prior Approvals) to make an application in writing to Natural England or the Local Planning Authority to give their opinion as to whether the development is likely to have a  significant effect on a European site.  Development must not be begun until the developer has received written notification of the approval of the local planning authority under regulation 77 (approval of local planning authority).

On this basis, the Council recommends that any Prior Approval application, which creates an overnight stay or is located within a Special Protection Area (SPA) including the Stone Curlew SPA buffer to submit alongside their prior approval application, an application to satisfy regulation 77. 

Please note the regulation 77 application requires submission of :

• Details of the development which is intended to be carried out (scaled location plan and floor plans as a minimum);
• A copy of any relevant notification by the appropriate nature conservation body under regulation 76 (Natural England); and
• A £30 fee. To pay the fee, please phone our contact centre on 01362 656870 selecting Option 4 for Planning and Building Control, then Option 3 to make a payment

Apply online for Regulation 77 application

Failure to gain consent from the Local Plan Authority, prior to works commencing, under regulation 77 of the habitats regulations could result in enforcement action.

Permitted Development (not requiring prior approval)

An application under regulation 77 (as set out above) is also required for permitted development applications in the Nutrient Neutrality Catchments or Special Protection Area (SPA) including the Stone Curlew SPA buffer.

Failure to gain consent from the Local Plan Authority, prior to works commencing, under regulation 77 of the habitats regulations could result in enforcement action.

Certificate of Lawfulness

If, after you have taken into account all of the guidance, you would like formal confirmation that planning permission is not required you may apply for aCertificate of Lawfulness (opens new window) , although this is not compulsory. However, this is the only way the council will confirm in writing that planning permission is not required. In addition to the peace of mind it provides, it may be asked for by purchasers if you sell your property.

Also, you can use a Certificate of Lawfulness to confirm the lawful use class of a building.

Unable to find what you're looking for or have a general enquiry? Contact us with our online form.