You may have heard or know someone who has built something without needing planning permission and may be wondering what is permitted development? There are several project types that do not require any planning permission to be granted by the local planning authority because the government considers them permitted development. The permitted development laws only apply to houses meaning that flats, maisonettes and commercial buildings all require planning permission.

Naturally most people would like to know what is allowed under permitted development? It is possible to build many things under permitted development including small extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and porches. However, in order for them to be considered permitted development they must meet certain criteria and if even one of the criteria is not met then planning permission is required.

If something is built under the assumption that it is considered permitted development and in future the local planning authority determines that planning permission is in fact required an enforcement notice may be issued. Retrospective planning permission would need to be obtained, it could incur penalties and if planning permission is refused the local planning authority may order it to be demolished.

If you would like to find out whether your project could be considered permitted development contact us today to speak with one of our expert planning consultants for a planning appraisal.

Studio Charrette are the governments trusted partner for the planning portal with every local planning authority referring enquiries for planning permission, architectural design and building regulations through to us. Our expert planning consultants can advise you to make sure whether your project is permitted development or requires planning permission it is compliant and avoids any retrospective planning issues.

Are you thinking of starting a project and wondering do I need planning permission? Whether it is a large project like building a new or something small like a porch, before you can start any project you must find our whether you do need planning permission to avoid any retrospective planning issues or penalties.

There are many things such as small extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and porches that can be considered permitted development and would not need a full planning application, providing certain criteria are met. However, if your project does not meet one or more of these criteria you will require planning permission. In cases where planning permission is not needed you may still require building regulations or a certificate of lawful use in order to be compliant and avoid issues in future.

If construction is completed without planning permission and someone complains to your local planning authority, who find that you do need planning permission, you could receive an enforcement notice. In some cases, our customers have received enforcement notices and needed costly retrospective planning permission for the sake of a just a few centimetres. Even when a project is small and in theory quite simple, the planning permission laws are not always so simple.

Planning permission laws and guidelines can be complex and vary between each local planning authority so, you may find conflicting information online or when speaking to builders etc. In order to be certain that your project is compliant it is recommended that you speak to an expert planning consultancy such as Studio Charrette who can advise you accordingly.

If you would like to read more about what does not need planning permission check out our page on Permitted Development. For more detailed information on what may be required for each type of project such as extensions, loft conversions etc. click here to see the relevant page for your project.

Alternatively contact us to speak with one of our expert planning consultants for a planning appraisal to find out if you do need planning permission or not and ask any us any questions.

If you want to be certain that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes or that your proposal does not require planning permission, you can apply for a ‘Lawful Development Certificate’ (LDC).

It is not compulsory to have an LDC but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes.

You can apply to your local council for an LDC via the Planning Portal online application service. The application must provide sufficient information for the council to decide the application or else it may be refused. You will have to pay a fee.

Often the issues involved in LDCs are complex and if you decide you need to apply for a certificate you might benefit by obtaining professional advice. Your LPA’s planning officers can also help. They will tell you about the sort of information needed to support your application.

If your application is partly or wholly refused or is granted differently from what you asked for, or is not determined within the time limit of eight weeks, you can appeal. Appeals are made to the Planning Inspectorate.