We offer a pre-application advice service with full details on the Pre-application page. 

Some minor work and certain changes of use are classed as 'permitted development', which means that an application for planning permission is not needed. The Planning Portal website advises on a range of common projects, and on the permissions, you may need.

Certain house extensions, which are classed as permitted development, still require you to give us prior notification instead of applying for planning permission.

Some changes of use, that are now classed as permitted development, still require you to give us prior notification instead of applying for planning permission.

Read the Permitted Development: House Extensions and Change of Use page for more information and to notify us.

For certain types of development, dependent on the size of the scheme the Council may seek Developer Contributions - also known as S106 Agreements (S106).  Further details are provided on the Developer Contributions - S106 Agreements page. 

If you are planning to rent out a property to a group of people, or increase the number of people living together in a shared house (a 'House in Multiple Occupation', or HMO) you may need planning permission because of an Article 4 Direction that applies across the city.

If you think that your proposals are 'permitted development', and you would like written confirmation that planning permission is not needed, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.

Getting a Lawful Development Certificate before work is done can be particularly useful for the future when a property is sold. This is because it is disclosed on a Local Land Charges search, and is a record to buyers that the building work covered by the certificate didn't need planning permission.

Almost all building work needs to comply with the Building Regulations. The Regulations ensure that buildings are safe, accessible, energy efficient and structurally sound. Our Building Control service can work with you to ensure that your building complies.

Read more about the Building Regulations

Under the Environment Act 2021, it is now mandatory for most major developments, and for many smaller developments to achieve a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

For more information on whether your development is exempt and how this new statutory requirement is being delivered in Nottingham City, please visit our dedicated Biodiversity Net Gain page.

You may need permission from us for the display of advertisements. Parts of Nottingham are subject to additional controls on boards advertising property 'To Let'. Click here for more information about local controls on 'To Let' boards.

You may also need our permission for the demolition of buildings, alterations and extensions to Listed Buildings, and works to some trees.

The Planning Portal website lists a range of other permissions that you may need before you start work.