You may need planning permission for domestic changes or changes of use to a home or property that you own.
- Domestic changes
- Change of use
- When planning permission is not needed
- Other special consent
- Building regulations
Domestic changes
You may need planning permission if you are:
- extending your home by constructing an extension or a dormer window
- putting up a garage
- putting up a boundary fence or wall
- extending your garden onto adjacent land
- putting up outbuildings or garden structures, such as a summer house, shed or swimming pool
- having a wind turbine installed
To find out whether a planning permission application is required you can submit a householder enquiry form.
Change of use
You may need planning permission if you are:
- using your home or a property you own as a short term let or holiday home
- using your home for business purposes
To find out whether a planning permission application is required you can submit a commercial enquiry form.
If you know that you need to submit an application, but want advice on the likelihood of your application being successful, then you can submit a pre-application planning advice form.
When planning permission is not needed
As long as you meet certain requirements, and stay within specific restrictions, you can carry out external alterations and some extensions to private houses (not flats) without needing formal planning permission.
Unless the property is a listed building, you don't need planning permission if you are:
- carrying out works to the interior of your home (new kitchen units, removing a wall, etc)
- painting the outside of your home
- repairing the outside of your home
- planting trees and shrubs in your garden
Other special consent
Some developments need 'special consent' as well as, or instead of, planning permission:
- changes to listed buildings may need 'listed building consent' for internal works or external painting
- demolition in conservation areas may need planning permission
- developments that affect trees and hedgerows which are protected
Building regulations
You will probably need 'building regulations approval' for most work you do to a building.
It's useful to have written building control confirmation that your proposal meets regulations, especially when it comes to selling your property, so you can show prospective buyers that you have carried out authorised work.
Also see
Planning Enquiries
DM Business Support