What is planning permission?

• Permitted Development
• Conditions Affecting Permitted Development Rights
• Article 4 Directions
• Householders
• Be sure!

By far the majority of applications we deal with are for planning permission. Planning permission is required for new development and changes of use to existing development. 'Development' in a planning context means new buildings and alterations to existing buildings and structures, but also includes engineering operations such as excavations. It also includes some forms of demolition. Planning permission gives you approval to undertake proposed development as described in your application. It does not, however, override the need to obtain any other consents that may be necessary for your development to go ahead, nor does it imply that such consents will necessarily be forthcoming.

Internal alterations that do not materially affect the external appearance of your house and do not involve a change of use will not normally require planning permission.

However, the laws that govern when you need to apply for planning permission can be very complex and as such you are always advised to contact us prior to undertaking development to check whether planning permission is needed. If you are at all unsure about whether you need to apply for planning permission please contact us.

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Permitted Development

Certain works of a minor nature can be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. These works benefit from a 'blanket' national planning permission granted through the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. The range of works that are permitted is subject to amendment over time and we would recommend seeking our advice if you believe that something you wish to do is 'permitted development', since the rules are highly complex.

Conditions Affecting Permitted Development Rights

Permitted development rights can be taken away by conditions imposed upon previous planning permissions. For example, in situations where it is important to keep car parking space available it is common for limitations to be imposed restricting the conversion of integral garages to additional living accommodation. These restrictions may apply to any property where planning permission has been granted at some point in the past. However, they tend to be more common on properties and housing estates built since the 1980s.

Article 4 Directions

More widespread limitations on permitted development rights can be imposed through Article 4 Directions. These directions commonly restrict particular types of permitted development within a specified area. There are seven Article 4 directions in the City, generally within conservation areas. To find out if the works you intend to do are affected by an Article 4 Direction please contact Development Management on 0115 8764447.

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Householders

If you wish to undertake works to your house, you will find a whole host of useful information here to help guide you as to when you will need to apply for planning permission. Click here to go to planning advice on householder applications.

Be sure!

Before you undertake proposed development be sure that you do not need to apply for planning permission or obtain consent from us first. If you undertake development that needs planning permission without first obtaining it, it may result in problems for you later. Expensive alterations may need to be carried out in order to put things right and in certain cases you may even be forced to remove an unauthorised building.

Before submitting an application you are always advised to contact us to discuss the likelihood of acceptability of your proposal as negotiations beforehand could save time and money later.

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