Planning permission

1. When you need it

You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to:

• build something new
• make a major change to your building, eg building an extension
• change the use of your building

To find out if your project will need planning permission, contact your local planning authority (LPA).

Find out about the planning system in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Applying for planning permission

You can apply for planning permission online.
If your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you can be served an ‘enforcement notice’ ordering you to undo all the changes you have made.

It’s illegal to ignore an enforcement notice, but you can appeal against it.
 

 

 

2. When you don't need it

Some building projects don’t need planning permission. This is known as ‘permitted development rights’.
Building projects that normally have permitted development rights include:

• industrial premises and warehouses - though there are some limits and conditions
• some outdoor signs and advertisements - though there are special rules around these
• demolition - but before you begin you must get approval to demolish from your local planning authority

There are other projects that might not need planning permission, eg projects that will have no impact on your neighbours or the environment. If you think this could apply to your project, check with your Local Planning Authority.

Community Rights in England

If your building project benefits the local community, and the community supports it, you may not have to go through the normal planning permission process. Neighbourhood planning and Community Right to Build lets your community grant planning permission directly under certain circumstances.