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Residential guide

 
This is our residential guide to whether or not you need planning permission for changes or additions to your property. We can only give guidance - not definitive answers - as there are often many factors involved.

  • Use the menu on the left to find a general overview on when permission is needed.

  • Then have a look at the more specific examples.

  • If you live in a flat or maisonette, remember that stricter guidelines apply due to the communal nature of the housing.

  • Extensions and porches will usually need planning permission: take a look the extensions page to see what factors are involved.

Protected buildings and areas

Remember that some areas will have stricter guidelines. You will probably need planning permission for even the most minor alterations here:

  • conservation areas 

  • listed buildings

  • Article 4 Direction areas.
More about conservation areas and listed buildings

How to apply

Once you have worked out what kind of planning permission you need to apply for, if any, learn how to apply in the Making an application section.

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