Planning compliance quick check

Do you need planning permission?

Not all development needs planning permission. Some changes are "permitted development" - allowed without applying. Use this quick check to find out your situation.

Question 1: What are you doing?

Building something new

• New building → Usually needs permission (exceptions below)
• Extension to existing building → May be permitted development
• Outbuilding in garden → May be permitted development

Changing how something is used

• House to flats → Needs permission
• Office to residential → May be permitted (Class MA)
• Shop to café → Often permitted (both Class E)
• Agricultural building to house → May be permitted (Class Q)

Changing the appearance

• New windows/doors → Usually permitted (unless listed/conservation area)
• Cladding or render → Usually permitted (unless listed/conservation area)
• Satellite dishes → Usually permitted

Question 2: Are there restrictions on your property?

Check for these - they can remove permitted development rights:

• ☐ Listed building → Almost always needs consent
• ☐ Conservation area → Many PD rights removed
• ☐ Article 4 direction → Specific PD rights removed by council
• ☐ National Park / AONB → Some PD rights reduced
• ☐ Previous planning condition → May restrict changes

If any apply: Check with your local planning authority before assuming you do not need permission.

Quick answers for common scenarios

✓ Usually permitted development (no application needed)

• Single-storey rear extension within limits
• Loft conversion (within volume limits, no highways-facing dormer)
• Garden building under 15sqm
• Office (Class E) to residential (Class MA) - prior approval
• Shop to restaurant (both Class E)
• Solar panels on roof

✗ Usually needs planning permission

• New dwelling (unless prior approval applies)
• Building in front of your house
• Extension that's too large
• Flat conversions
• Change from residential to commercial
• Anything in a listed building

What to do next

If permitted development applies

• Some PD requires "prior approval" - a light-touch application
• Consider getting a CLOPUD for legal certainty
• Check building regulations still apply (separate from planning)

If you need planning permission

Useful resources

• Planning Portal Interactive House: Visual guide to permitted development for householders
• Your local planning authority: Pre-application advice service
• Use Classes Order: Defines what uses need planning permission to change