Applying for planning permission

You may need to make a planning application if you want to:

• build something new

• make a change to your building such as an extension or a change to its appearance

• change the use of all or part of your building

General advice on a range of common householder projects is available on the planning portal. You can also check the interactive guide on the planning portal to see what does and does not need planning permission.

We can provide advice to those considering proposals that may require planning permission or a related consent. Our pre-application service offers written advice by professional officers before you apply.

Things to check

If it is a listed building, you may need to make an application for listed building consent if you wish to alter the building internally or externally.

If it is in a conservation area, additional planning controls apply.

If you don’t get planning permission

If your project needs planning permission and you carry out the work without getting it, you can be served an enforcement notice ordering you to undo all the changes you have made. It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a listed building without first obtaining consent from the council, even if you did not know that the building was listed.