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Quick guide
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Home
Environment & planning
Planning and building
Planning permission and applications
Quick guide
You are responsible for making sure you get planning permission, if it is needed for any building or works you carry out.
If you do not own the property to which any planning application relates, you will need the permission of the owner or landlord before any works can be implemented. We advise that you talk to the owner or landlord before pursuing a planning application.
Your neighbours may be affected by your proposals. It is therefore advisable that you talk to your neighbours about your plans before submitting any application.
Residential properties
Fnd out whether you need planning permission by referring to the guides and leaflet below. Note: These guides do not cover every situation - contact the Planning Department before you start work.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Planning Portal have published guides for householders and flat owners:
Planning: A Guide for Householders (DCLG website)
Household planning rules (Planning Portal website)
Planning guide for flats and maisonettes (Planning Portal website)
Commercial premises
Works to commercial premises generally require planning permission.
More about planning permission for commercial premises
Unauthorised development
Where works have been carried out without the necessary permission, you may be able to regularise the situation by:
submitting a retrospective planning application
or applying for a lawful development certificate.
More information about Lawful Development Certificates:
Lawful Development Certificates: A User's Guide (DCLG website)
Lawful Development Certificates (Planning Portal)
Planning application related forms on the Planning Portal
Conservation areas and listed buildings
If you live in a conservation area, there are tighter controls limiting those works that you can carry out without a planning permission.
More information about conservation areas
Frequently Asked Questions
If I get planning permission to demolish a building damaged by fire, can I replace it?
Do I need planning permission to install new windows?
Do I need planning permission to install French windows?
Do I need planning permission to do a loft conversion?
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Contact information
email
020 8921 5708/5782
Useful links
The Planning Portal