Do I need Planning Permission?

Common Household Projects

Visit the Interactive House Guide on the Planning Portal website for detailed guidance on common household projects.

Permitted Development Rights

You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called permitted development rights. More information can be found on the Planning Portal website.

Do I need planning permission - self-assessment

Use our self-assessment system to find out if you need planning permission for the work you wish to do.

Please note: If you are using Internet Explorer 8 or later you may need to click the Compatibility View button to view the system correctly. If your browser recognises there is a compatibility problem the Compatibility View button will become available on the browser's address bar next to the refresh button.

Before you start using the system you will need to know:

• A location where the proposal is to take place (street name or postcode)
• What you are proposing to do i.e. build an extension, etc.
• For extensions/new buildings - proposed measurements (height, width, length)
• For advertisements - how long you wish to display the sign(s)

Flood Defence Consent

In addition to any planning permission you may require, you may also need flood defence consent from the Environment Agency when developing land near watercourses or floodplains. Download the guidance document below for more information:

Development near watercourse or floodplain guidance (25kB PDF)

Paving Your Front Garden

Since 1 October 2008, rules have applied for householders wanting to pave over their front gardens. This measure is to help reduce the risk of flash flooding.

You do not need planning permission:

• for any size of area if the finished paved area of your new driveway or parking area is made of a material that will allow water to drain through it naturally. This includes gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt.
• if the new paved area is larger than five square meters and is made of a material that does not allow water to drain through (impermeable), BUT rainwater can drain naturally to a porous area within your property, such as a lawn or a flowerbed.

You need planning permission:

• if the new paved area is impermeable and larger than five square metres and the rainwater drains directly onto the adjoining road, pavement, or next door properties. For help and advice please call us on 01865 249811.

Page last reviewed 9 February 2012