Do I need planning permission?
Planning rules for householders
Minor changes which may not require formal planning permission (permitted development)
Certain types of building work and minor changes to your property can be carried out without formal planning permission - this is known as permitted development. Types of work that may be undertaken without planning permission include:
(The links above go to The Planning Portal and open in a new window.)
There are separate regulations regarding domestic air source heat pumps, wind turbines and other renewable energy projects.
Please note: Changes to permitted development allowances on rear extensions came into force on 30 May 2013. A full summary of the changes can be found here.
Prior Approval Applications can be made to the Council in the form of a letter but must contain the following information:
- A description of the works in full including how far the enlarged part of the dwelling house extends beyond the rear wall of the original house.
- The maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwelling house.
- The height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwelling house.
- A plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development.
- The addresses of any adjoining premesis.
- The developers (applicant's) contact address and an email address if you wish to receive communications electronically.
Other Information
To find out which permitted development rights apply to your property you need to check:- Is there an Article 4 Direction on the land which removed permitted development rights?
- Is the property located in a Conservation Area, land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and land in a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), known as Article 1(5) land?
Dropped kerbs
You can enquire about dropped kerbs on our Planning Permission Enquiry System.
Check if you need planning permission - permitted development factsheets
There are conditions and limitations to permitted development rights for example outbuildings in the grounds of listed buildings, restrictions in conservation areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Please note: Changes to permitted development allowances on rear extensions came into force on 30 May 2013. The self help checksheets have not yet been amended to reflect this.
It is your responsibility for seeking, or not seeking, planning permission so we strongly advise you refer to our Permitted Development fact sheets.
Follow this checklist
You must comply with all planning rules and regulations when making changes to your home. You can look at our handy checklist for initial guidance.
You can download our permitted development planning fact sheets or pick up a hard copy guide from the Planning Reception desk in Godalming to guide you through the process. Older planning records, which are stored on microfiche will require you to come to Planning Reception to view.
Permitted Development for householders - Technical Guidance from the Planning Portal
The Government Technical Guidance document is being updated to reflect the larger extension permitted development changes which came into force on 30 May 2013. It will be re-published in due course.
Where else can I find advice?
For general advice and guidance on whether you need planning permission, go to the Planning Portal site.
For an easy reference guide go to the Interactive House on the Planning Portal site or use the Common Projects for mini guides on extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings and porches.
Permitted development rights - find out more
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order) 2008 (As amended) governs what you can do under permitted development rights. These rights are subject to some conditions and limitations. You should always check the conditions imposed on any previous planning permissions associated with your property since 1948.
Page owner: Ben Hammond. Last updated: 07/06/2013 10:10
