Do I need planning permission?

It's important to find out if you need planning permission before you start any building work. If you go ahead without permission, you may have to put things back to how they were.

You are likely to need planning permission if you intend to:

  • construct a new building
  • alter the external appearance of an existing building
  • extend a property
  • convert a house into flats
  • change the use of a building or land.

Other types of applications

As well as planning applications, there are many other types of applications you may need. The Planning Portal provides detailed guidance on these and allows you to submit them online. The most common application types are:

Building control

If you are making structural changes to an existing property, or you are building a new property, you may need to apply for building control approval.

Find out more about building control

Wildlife Assesment check

If you are considering a householder or a small development project, find out if you will need expert ecological advice before submitting a planning application.

Find out if you need expert ecogolical advice

Licensing

Depending on the use of your premises, you may need to apply for a licence.

Find out more about licences and permits