You don't always need planning permission. It is not required generally for changes to the inside, or for small alterations to the outside such as the installation of telephone connections and alarms.
Generally, permission is NOT required for:
- factory warehouse extensions if they are less than 1,000 square metres, less than 25% of the volume of the original building and below the height of the original building
- converting space over a shop or over a ground floor office into a single flat
- building works where both the present and proposed uses fall within the same planning 'class'.
It is also possible to change use between some classes without permission. It is advisable to consider whether you need to obtain permission and, if so, your chances of getting it before you do anything.
Building new premises
Generally, permission is required for the construction of new premises. Before applying, look at the Unitary Development Plan for guidelines and contact us.
For more information, please visit the Planning Portal.
Large-scale projects
Developers planning large-scale projects in the borough will also need to be familiar with these two documents: