Find out if you need planning permission
Some types of development do not need planning permission. This is called permitted development. Permitted development rights are more limited in some areas than in others, for example within a conservation area.
Article 4 directions remove permitted development rights for certain types of new development in areas where we need a higher level of control. We have introduced an Article 4 direction in St Paul's. This means that you will need to submit a planning application to change a property to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in this area.
The Planning Portal includes advice on whether you will need planning permission for a range of common building projects including loft conversions, porches and other types of house extensions.
You will need to apply for planning permission for most major changes to buildings or a change of use.
It is your responsibility to find out if you need planning permission or not.
If you don’t need planning permission
You may not need planning permission but you could still need building regulations approval.
Prior approval and notification
You may need to let us know what you are going to do, this is known as prior approval, which is required for:
- larger home extensions
- agricultural or forestry developments
- demolition of buildings
- developments for electronic communications network
Getting proof that your development is legal
If your development is permitted development and/or does not require a planning application you can apply for a lawful development certificate. There are two kinds of certificate:
- for proposed work
- for work which has already been done, including those in breach of a planning condition
You can apply for a lawful development certificate through the planning portal.