Planning

Do I need planning permission to carry out my project?

It is possible to carry out certain projects without needing to apply for planning permission, either because they do not constitute development requiring planning permission, or because they may constitute Permitted Development as set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

However, there are strict limitations and conditions on Permitted Development as set out in legislation. If any element of your project does not accord with the limitations and conditions contained within the relevant legislation, you would normally need to apply for planning permission.

It is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that your project would fall within the allowances of the relevant legislation if you intend to carry it out without applying for planning permission.

The Council cannot informally provide you with advice as to whether or not planning permission is required in a specific case.

If you do require confirmation as to whether or not planning permission is required for your project from the Council, the only option is to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.

The Lawful Development Certificate application process includes a Planning Officer carrying out a detailed assessment of a site’s planning history, the specifics of the proposed project, and a review of the appropriate legislation.

More information about Lawful Development Certificates (Planning Portal)

Alternatively, if you suspect that planning permission is required, you can submit a planning application online. More information can be found here:

Submit a planning application online (Planning Portal)

If you are unfamiliar with the planning process, or are likely to require assistance in producing plans and documents to support your application, then you may wish to consider the services of a professional planning agent / consultant to assist you.

Please also be aware that certain works may also require separate approval under the Building Regulations (separate to the Planning process).

Is planning permission likely to be granted for my project?

The Council cannot informally provide advice in relation to whether or not your proposal is likely to obtain planning permission, if you applied for it.

Such advice can only be provided following detailed assessment of proposed plans and documents by a Planning Officer as part of our paid pre-application planning advice service.

For full information on using the Council’s pre-application planning advice service (along with a schedule of the fees associated with the service) please see the document contained on the following website:

More information on the Council's pre-application advice service

I’d like to report an unauthorised development – how can I do this?

The Council’s Planning Enforcement Team can investigate suspected breaches of planning control. In order for the Enforcement Team to investigate, you will need to complete and submit the online form here please:

Submit an enforcement complaint form

Our Planning Enforcement Team will then log your complaint, investigate the matter and update you in due course.

More information on the Council’s planning enforcement service