Find out if you need planning permission
It's likely that you will need planning permission for:
- most new buildings
- extensions to buildings
- changes to buildings
Some types of work can be done without needing to apply for planning permission. These are known as ‘permitted development rights'.
You should also check if work needs building regulations approval.
What affects whether you need planning permission
What you can do to your a property without planning permission (permitted development rights) will depend on:
- the type of property (different rules apply to houses and flats)
- how the property is used (such as for residential or commercial purposes)
- whether the property is a listed building
- whether your proposal is in a 'designated area', such as a conservation area, the Green Belt or an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
This is why it's important to get planning advice and carry out research about your proposal and the area you want to do work in.
The Planning Portal have guidance on planning permission for common projects.
Use the planning permission checker
Use our free online checker to find out whether:
- your proposed changes may need planning permission
- there are planning restrictions affecting your property, such as listed building status or conservation area controls
Some projects are not included in this service yet, such as:
- large scale projects
- applications relating to a planning condition
- applications on properties without a postcode or address
- dropped kerbs
- applications affecting multiple properties
- some mixed-use projects (such as a conversion from 1 purpose into several new purposes)
The service does not automatically include information about a property's planning history, such as restricted planning conditions.
The checker provides guidance based on the answers you give. It is not a formal planning decision and cannot be relied on as legal confirmation.
If the checker says planning permission is not needed
If you want formal proof that your proposal does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
A Lawful Development Certificate can provide evidence that the work is lawful and may be useful when selling your property in the future.
You will need to submit plans and pay an application fee.
Planning advice
If your proposal is complex or you want advice on a specific project, you can use our paid planning advice service.
We can advise whether:
- planning permission is likely to be required
- permitted development rights may apply
- planning restrictions affect your proposal
Read about our planning advice service and fees.