Planning FAQs

Not all work requires planning permission as ‘Permitted Development’ allows certain work to be carried out without requiring prior permission. You can find out about what the permitted development rules are by looking at the guidance available on both the Planning Portal Website and Government website. 

We can only answer questions about whether planning permission is required through a formal application for a certificate of lawful development, which will give you a legally binding decision as to whether or not your proposal requires planning permission. You can read more about lawful development certificates on the Planning Portal Website

You do not have to obtain a certificate of lawful development if your proposal is permitted development, but it can be advisable to do so.

If you live in a listed building, listed building consent is another permission that may be required (it can be required where planning permission is not needed, or it can be required in addition to planning permission). Please email planning@rutland.gov.uk with details of your proposal and address if you wish to check if you will need listed building consent. Listed building consent is generally required for any alterations to the historic fabric (the elements that characterise the structure of the building such as walls, roofs, internal surfaces, floors, stairs, landings and all doors and windows) of the building.

We offer a preliminary planning advice service in which a planning officer will provide advice as to whether you are likely to receive planning permission or not. For details on how to submit this enquiry please see our Preliminary planning advice page   

The best way to contact us is by phone on 01572 722577 by email planning@rutland.gov.uk or if you prefer you can also write to us at Development Control, Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HP, if you do so, please provide either a contact telephone number or email so we can respond as quickly as possible. 

You can comment on a planning application by either using the online public access facility on our website:

Submit an online comment

or by emailing the Planning Support Team at planning@rutland.gov.uk 

In order to log a breach you can either log this via our online Planning Enforcement Contact Form this link includes a copy of our Planning Enforcement Policy which explains how we investigate suspected breaches of planning control. 

Alternatively you can email planningenforcement@rutland.gov.uk 

You can view and download a copy of the decision notice by using the online public access facility:

Search for planning applications and decisions  

If you are unable to find the decision notice you require, you can contact Planning Support on 01572 722577 or by email planning@rutland.gov.uk   

You can check if the site is within a conservation area by using the Planning Constraints Map 

If you contact Planning Support we can check for any tree preservation orders and can also supply a copy of the order.

You can contact Planning Support by email at planning@rutland.gov.uk and by phone 01572 722577.

You can view discharge of condition applications and decisions within the online Public Access facility:

Search for planning applications and decisions 

If you are unable to find the answer to your enquiry, you can contact Planning Support on 01572 722577 or via email planning@rutland.gov.uk   

Unfortunately it is not possible to make an appointment with a planning officer unless this is arranged by the planning officer in relation to your planning application or your preliminary enquiry. 

You can view and download a copy of the Section 106 Agreement by using the Public Access facility:

Search for planning applications and decisions 

If you are unable to find the agreement then please email the Planning Support Team at planning@rutland.gov.uk 

In order to assist with your enquiry you will need to provide the planning application number and if possible the deed date, type of agreement and parties to the agreement.

Our Legal Services Department will be able to supply you with a copy, to request this please email  lduty@rutland.gov.uk please note there may be a charge payable for this. 

You can find out if a building is listed by using the Planning Constraints Map and can view and download the official list entry on the Historic England Website 

You can check if the site is within an Article 4 Conservation Area by using the Planning Constraints Map 

To obtain a copy of the Article 4 direction you will need to contact Planning Support by email at planning@rutland.gov.uk or by phone 01572 722577

You will need to contact Blaby Building Control who look after the Rutland Building Control service, either by email building.control@blaby.gov.uk by phone 0116 272 7533 or by completing the Online Contact Form 

Rutland County Council do not hold any records in relation to land ownership. You will need to contact the Land Registry who hold information on land/property ownership for England and Wales.

We take complaints very seriously at Rutland County Council as we strive to deliver the best service possible. Complaints can be made in writing to - Let us Know, Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HP, email letusknow@rutland.gov.uk , Via My Account or Social Media Channels. 

Please see our Compliments, Complaints and Service Feedback Page which provides details on how to make a complaint, our Customer Service Standards as well as the procedure which will be followed.