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If you want to do building work or alter a building in some way it’s likely that your project will need some type of planning approval.
Not all building work needs full planning permission. There are 3 main routes to approval:
The national Planning Portal has more information on the planning approval process, and what types of permission are needed for different types of work.
They have put together:
If you own your home, permitted development rights mean you can do certain types of work without having to make a planning application.
Permitted development:
You can read the guidance for permitted development rights for householders on GOV.UK.
Permitted development rights are restricted.
You might not be able to use permitted development for:
If you cannot use permitted development for your project, you will need to apply for full planning permission.
If you’ve read the guidance and you think your project falls under permitted development, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC).
An LDC isn’t the same as planning permission, but it is proof that your building work is lawful.
You will need to submit the same level of drawings and detail that you would to apply for planning permission. However, your application will be judged purely against legislation, and it doesn’t require your neighbours to be notified.
In some circumstances, you can complete work under permitted development only if you have prior approval from the Council. This means that your proposed works meet the permitted development requirements.
You can get prior approval for some work if the principle of the development has already been established.
A developer has to seek approval from us that specified elements of the development are acceptable before work can proceed.
Read more about prior approval on the Planning Portal.
You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to:
You can view guidance on what types of work needs planning permission on the Planning Portal.
You can apply for planning permission online.
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