Planning permission for homeowners

Page updated on: 05/05/2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Planning applications can be submitted as usual and are being processed as soon as possible; however, we would advise you to make online applications if able to as our offices remain closed to staff, resulting in significant delays for paper applications.

We are experiencing a backlog of applications due to lockdown which had an impact on service delivery, and saw a number of staff re-deployed to essential frontline services. Therefore, it may take a period of up to three months, on top of the usual delivery timescales, to determine applications.

The Planning Committee is currently meeting remotely twice a month in order to reduce the backlog as much as possible; and priority will be given to employment-related applications.

Site visits will only be carried out, where they are deemed necessary; along with the posting of site notices where practicable. Neighbour notification letters are being used where appropriate.

Enforcement complaints are being progressed where they are considered by officers to be of high or medium impact (for example, where there are health and safety implications) or matters that are able to progress in the absence of a site visit.

We would like to thank you for your patience during this period.

Please continue to visit our Newsroom for the latest information. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

If you are considering making changes to your home, including work within the boundary of your property/garden you may need to apply for householder planning consent.

Householder planning consent is required for:

Extensions
Conservatories
Loft conversions
Dormer windows
Garages, car ports and outbuildings

However, planning permission is not needed for all building work to your home. Under permitted development rules you can carry out a number of projects, provided they meet certain limits and conditions.

To check if planning permission is required you can download and complete the relevant form and return it to us or check online. This is an informal check if you need a definitive response you will need to apply for a lawful development certificate.

Once you have checked if you need planning permission, you have a number of options:

If you are completely sure your project does not need planning permission you can start your building work
For peace of mind and proof that your building work is lawful apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
If your project does not qualify as permitted development apply for householder planning consent. If you would like help with your application you can apply for our pre application advice service.

Apply for householder consent Apply for Lawful Development Certificate