Types of development commonly requiring planning permission include:
» building new premises
» extending, converting or altering existing premises
» changing the external appearance of a building
» changing the use of premises
» putting up signs or shop fascias
You don't need permission for some types of permitted development such as putting up walls and fences below specified heights and painting
the exterior of a building - unless the paintwork will act as an advertisement for your building, in which case you are likely to require
separate consent under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations.
Even if you don't need planning permission the work may still need to conform to building regulations.
In certain circumstances you may also require listed-building consent or conservation area consent. Check with your local authority if you
think you may be affected.
If you're unsure whether you need planning permission, you can seek an informal opinion from your local authority planning department. For
a fee you can also apply for a formal opinion on whether permission is needed, known as a lawful development certificate.
What will be considered?
When an application is made the following factors are likely to be taken into account:
» whether your plans fit with the council's development strategy for the area - are you opening a shop in a residential area, for instance?
» size, number, layout and siting of buildings; external appearance and height
» proposed use, means of access, landscaping and impact
» availability of infrastructure such as roads and water supply
» effects on parking and traffic
You should always apply for planning permission before work starts. If you don't, you might be served with an enforcement notice requiring
you to remove an unauthorised building. When buying land you should also check whether planning permission has been or will be granted for
development.
