Planning Permission
Permitted Development Rights
You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called 'permitted development rights' and are described in this guide. They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
In some areas of the country, known generally as 'designated areas', permitted development rights are more restricted. If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will need to apply for planning permission for certain types of work which do not need an application in other areas.
There are also different requirements if the property is a listed building.
The Planning Portal's general advice is that you should contact your local planning authority and discuss your proposal before any work begins. They will be able to inform you of any reason why the development may not be permitted and if you need to apply for planning permission for all or part of the work.
Permitted Development Rights withdrawn
You should also note that the local planning authority may have removed some of your permitted development rights by issuing an Article 4 direction. This will mean that you have to submit a planning application for work which normally does not need one.
Article 4 directions are made when the character of an area of acknowledged importance would be threatened. They are most common in conservation areas. You will probably know if your property is affected by such a direction, but you can check with the local planning authority if you are not sure.
Legislation: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 19951 is the principal order which has been subject to a number of subsequent amendments.
The Order sets out classes of development for which a grant of planning permission is automatically given, provided that no restrictive condition is attached or that the development is exempt from the permitted development rights.
As amended by:
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order 19962
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order 19983
- The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 19994
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order 19995
- The Town and Country Planning (Application of Subordinate Legislation to the Crown) Order 20066
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 20127
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) (No. 2) Order 20128
- The Town and Country (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 20139
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 201410
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) (No. 2) Order 201411
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 201612
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 201913
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 202114
- The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development etc.) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 202215
Please note that while this list aims to include all relevant amendments we cannot promise that the list is complete.
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/528/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/462/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/293/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1661/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/1282/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2012/1346/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2012/2318/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2013/1776/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2014/592/contents/made
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2014/2692/contents/made
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2016/29/contents/made
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2019/330/made
- http://The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2021
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2022/997/contents/made