You will need planning permission if you want to:

• build something new
• make a major change to your building e.g. build an extension
• change the use of your building

In some circumstances, permitted development rights allow certain types of work to take place without the need for planning permission, although these do not always apply in National Parks. The Planning Portal website contains excellent guidance so you can quickly find out whether you need planning permission for yourself.

As the owner of the property or land in question you are responsible for complying with the relevant planning rules. If you don’t comply you will be liable for any remedial action you have to take (which could go as far as demolition and/or restoration).

for more information on building control please visit LABC Front Door | Home improvements & building regulations advice for homeowners and builders. LABC is a not-for-profit membership organisation that represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales (with around 3,800 members in their national network). Their local teams will work with you to help you comply with the building regulations.

Our planning advice service is temporarily suspended

We are currently experiencing high demand on our service coupled with unexpected staffing issues. As a consequence we have made the decision to temporarily suspend our Planning Advice Service for all enquiries to allow us to focus on determining planning applications.

We have updated our web pages to compensate – many simple enquiries are answered on our FAQ page.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Our switchboard remains open, if possible we ask that you call between the hours of 10-12 & 2-4 daily; please note if you call outside of these times we may not be able to answer your call.