When planning permission isn’t needed
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Some types of work don’t need planning permission.
Find out about permitted development rights, the benefits of a lawful development certificate and how to get advice from us about your building work.
Permitted development rights
Some proposed building projects do not always need planning permission. This is known as permitted development rights.
Projects that normally have permitted development rights include:
- minor works and house extensions (some works may be subject to prior approval)
- change of use for commercial premises
- electronic communication equipment (for example, mobile masts)
- demolition - before you begin you must apply for a Lawful Development Certificate
Lawful Development Certificate
It is sometimes not clear if your development falls into the permitted development category. A lawful development certificate is a formal assessment from the Council of whether or not you need planning permission.
Lawful Development Certificates are not the same as planning permission, but do:
- prove that your building work is legal
- prove to future buyers the building work was legal
A lawful development certificate can also verify if existing works or uses are permitted.
How do I apply for a lawful development certificate?
You will need to create an account and apply for a lawful development certificate on the Planning Portal.
The application will then be sent to us and we decide whether the certificate should be granted.
Still unsure?
We know that planning and permitted development can be a complicated process.
If you’re not clear on how to proceed or want to identify any potential issues before you submit, we offer a pre-application advice service.
Fast Track Service
Our Fast Track Service can help you to speed up all parts of the planning procedure , including Permitted Development Rights and Lawful Development Certificates.
This service is subject to availability.