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Permitted development

Under certain circumstances you can build small extensions and develop buildings without the need for our permission.

This is called permitted development but these rights may have been removed from an area and you may have to apply for planning permission to carry out work.

The rules are changing with effect from the 1 October 2008 and in order to explain these new rules the planning portal have produced an interactive house which will explain what building works will require planning permission and which ones are permitted development.

To find out if you need permission download our Planning enquiry form and send it to us with a metric scale drawing of your plans and their position in relation to your property.

The more detailed the information you provide, the easier it will be for us to provide you with a clear answer.

Permitted development rules can allow you to carry out the following works within certain size and siting limits:

In all cases we must be notified of any new buildings you plan to build.

However, you can carry out internal alterations and repairs provided there is no change in the use of a residential building.

Strict rules do apply when making any repairs or alterations to Listed Buildings and you should contact Development Control on 01275 888 811 before starting any work.

Buildings connected with agriculture and forestry are also covered by permitted development rights.

In Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Conservation Areas the size limitations on certain structures can be stricter meaning they will generally have to be smaller.

For further information about the need for planning permission please visit the Planning Portal website.

Although you may not need to make a planning application for many of the types of work listed here, you may still need separate approval under building regulations.

For further information contact Development Control on 01275 888 811.