Permitted development

You may be allowed to make some changes or improvements to your property without planning permission. This is known as “permitted development”. Permitted development applies mostly to houses. If you have a flat or commercial property you will likely require planning permission for any changes.  

Permitted development is a national right for homeowners to make improvements and alterations without planning permission. The kind of improvements and alterations include:

  • rear and side extensions
  • loft conversions and associated roof works
  • rear outbuildings/sheds 
  • porches
  • boundary walls/fences
  • solar panels

The Planning Portal interactive house guide has the measurements and other information you need to see if your project is permitted development. If you need further help we can provide advice through our duty planner services. 

If your project is permitted development and does not require planning permission then you do not need to submit an application or inform the Planning Service about it. 

However you may need private agreements, such as a party wall agreement. These are outside of the planning process. 

You'll also likely need building regulations approval even if the works are permitted development.

You may also need to pay a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charge. This applies if you are creating more than 100 square metres of new floor area, even if the works are permitted development.

Lawful development certificates

If you want us to check if your proposed works need planning permission, you can submit a “lawful development certificate” application. This is sometimes called a “certificate of lawfulness” and it has a statutory fee. 

We'll look at your proposal and let you know if the plans are permitted development. 

You do not need to do this, but it can be helpful for your peace of mind and house records.

A certificate application is a technical assessment against the permitted development criteria only. We would not send letters or notify neighbours or interested parties of the works.

If you do not submit a lawful development certificate, your proposed work is carried out at your own risk. If the work breaches the permitted development criteria then it may be liable for enforcement action.

Properties with special conditions

Your permitted development rights can be affected if your property: 

In these instances, we encourage: 

  • getting advice from a duty planner
  • submitting a lawful development certificate application to check the proposed works