Do I Need Planning Permission?
Most new buildings or major changes to existing buildings or to the local environment need consent - known as planning permission.
Each application for planning permission is made to the local planning authority for the area.
The application must include enough detail for the authority to see what effect the development could have on the area.
If the planning application is in line with the approved plan (see our Planning Policy Homepage for more information), the applicant can usually expect to receive planning permission within eight weeks for householders. Approval for larger, commercial developments often take longer.
Permitted Development
Some types of minor building work - such as a boundary wall below a certain height - do not usually need planning permission.
This is because the effect of these developments on neighbours or the environment is likely to be small, and the government has issued a general planning permission to authorise them. This is known as permitted development.
Some areas have special protection against certain developments because they contain attractive landscape (such as Rutland Water) or interesting plants and wildlife, or because we need to control the spread of towns and villages into open countryside. Conservation Areas are another example and exist to protect and preserve the character of a town or village.
Some smaller areas of land also contain ancient monuments that must not be damaged. Some buildings are specially protected or listed because of their architectural or historic interest.
We can let you know whether you need permission but you will need to make a 'Preliminary Enquiry'.
An interactive guide to Permitted Development is available on the Planning Portal site (External link & opens in a new window. This application requires Flash player, downloadable free of charge from Adobe's website (external link - opens in a new window)). Please note that this is only a guide. You are strongly advised to double check with the Planning office before commencing any works.
You can also download and view the summary guidance document at the end of this page which explains the new legislation affecting householder developments dated 1st October 2008.
Preliminary Enquiry
A preliminary enquiry is an initial written enquiry to the Local Planning Authority which will enable us to formally advise you in writing as to whether or not your proposed works are likely to require planning permission.
We require a written enquiry because a significant amount of investigative work (and perhaps even a site visit) can be necessary before we can give you a full and meaningful response.
In any case, it is always best to get something from the Local Planning Authority in writing advising whether or not planning permission is required. This is especially true where you suspect or have been advised that planning permission is not required.
It will be useful if and when you come to sell your property as the sale of your house may be delayed if there has been any development for which documentation from the Local Planning Authority is not available.
All preliminary enquiries are confidential and details will not be divulged to members of the public.
You should download and complete the Preliminary Enquiry Form (PDF, 111Kb) and return it via fax, post or email.
PLEASE NOTE: WITH EFFECT FROM 1st JANUARY 2012, A FEE WILL BE PAYABLE FOR ENQUIRIES RELATING TO:
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One or more new residential units
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Commercial floorspace of >300m2
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Site areas of >0.1 Hectares
You can view the schedule of charges for preliminary planning enquiries along with the accompanying guidance notes by clicking this link (opens in a new window).
THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE FOR DOMESTIC ENQUIRIES
Whilst we will endeavour to reply to your enquiry within 10 working days, we have to give priority to planning applications and hence, when application levels are high, it may take longer to process your enquiry.
Please Note: this form enables the Planning team to help you find out whether you need planning permission. The reply which you will receive is advisory only and is not a formal legal decision. If you would like a formal and definitive answer as to whether planning permission is needed you can apply for a ‘Certificate of Lawful Development'. Application forms are available on request.
Other Useful Information
Download a Summary of New Householder Permitted Development Rights - 1st October 2008 (PDF, 29Kb)
