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New permitted development rules to be introduced by the Government on 01 October, mean many homeowners will no longer need to apply for planning permission to extend their homes.
The Government is introducing changes to Permitted Development in an attempt to reduce the amount of red tape for householders seeking to improve their homes.
Permitted development governs the changes that can be made to an existing house without the need for a planning application to be submitted to the local planning authority. This does not affect the need for building regulations approval.
The Government wants to give as much freedom as possible for people to extend their homes - particularly given the current pressures in the housing market.
The changes will reduce the need for people to apply for planning permission for straightforward home improvements such as loft conversions or extensions while still protecting the interests of neighbours, the wider community and the environment.
The Government predicts the change could reduce the number of householder applications made to local planning authorities by up to 25%.
The planning web page features an interactive guide to help consumers to understand the new planning requirements. Users can simply click on the part of the house they are thinking of changing to find an explanation of the rules.
In some local areas permitted development rights are more restricted. Therefore if you live in a Conservation Area you will still need to apply for planning permission for certain types of work which do not need an application in other areas. There are also different requirements if the property is a listed building.
If you are considering altering or extending your house then you are strongly advised to use the links to the Planning Portal to decide whether or not you need to apply for planning permission.
Alternatively please |read the Summary of works that may be carried out without planning permission.
If you undertake work which requires planning permission then you run the risk of enforcement action being taken against you if you don't have the correct consent.
If you need further advice please contact the Town Planning Divisions |Development Control team.
If you wish to gain a formal view as to whether or not planning permission is required for proposed work you will need to submit a Lawful Development Certificate proposed in order to obtain a legal determination.
You can download the full regulations: "|The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008" from the Office of Public Sector Information (Statutory Instrument 2362 )