Before you carry out any development you must find out whether planning permission is required. 

Some proposals are ‘permitted development’ and may not require planning permission.

Not all development requires Planning Permission. Traditionally advice has been given by Development Control staff over the telephone or by letter confirming whether or not Planning Permission is required. However, this service is now being over-stretched in various ways. These guidelines recommend that any development should have written confirmation that Planning Permission, if needed, was obtained or if Planning was not required, that this also should be confirmed.

The Government has introduced a process called a Certificate of Lawfulness. This procedure follows a similar route to a full planning application, although in the case of proposed works the application is not advertised and there is no consultation with neighbouring properties. In the case where the development has already taken place (known as ‘retrospective’) this is advertised and consultation with neighbouring properties is carried out.

The main benefit of ensuring that you have either a Certificate of Lawfulness or Planning Permission should that be required, is when ownership of the property is transferred to another party there are no unnecessary delays in respect of planning matters, which appear to be the case at the present time.

You should note that a ‘Lawful Development Certificate’ will only confirm lawful development under Planning Legislation and not the Building Regulations.

If permission is required, you can apply online via the Planning Portal.  Alternatively, you may view and download the relevant planning application forms and  schedule of fees form, from this site. You will need to submit plans drawn to a metric scale as per the validation requirements, you may choose to get an architect to draw these for you.

The Planning Portal provides a helpful resource in establishng whether planning permission is needed.  Learn more about whether planning permission is needed, and how to apply. The planning portal also has a fee calculator to assist you.