Log in | Create account

Planning services 

Do you need planning permission? 

Proposals that involve development usually require planning permission.

Sometimes you do not need planning permission. Changes that you can make to your house without needing a planning application are called Permitted Development. These include certain house extensions and garden buildings. A detailed guide to general permitted development rights is available from the Planning Portal, the Government's online planning resource.

For a period of three years, between 30 May 2013 and 30 May 2016, householders will be able to build larger single-storey rear extensions on houses under permitted development subject to the successful outcome of a Prior Approval Application. 

The Council’s Residential Extensions and Alterations Supplementary Planning Document provides guidance for people who want to extend and improve their home.

The Planning Portal also has an online householders guide which provides useful information.  This simple visual guide outlines common household projects and gives advice about both planning and building regulations.

When planning your development, you should also think about if you need a Scaffolding and hoarding licence and if you will need approval under the Building control regulations.

For detailed advice about your particular case the golden rule must always be 'Ask first’.  If you contact us we will be happy to advise you about permitted development.

How can you have a successful planning application? 

The planning service charges for pre-application advice on certain types of development proposals.  Consultation fees have been introduced in recognition that application fees alone do not cover the costs of providing the service.  Pre-application discussions can speed up the application process and avoid the submission of unacceptable proposals.

Whether your planning application will be approved or not, depends on whether it is in line with the local policies and guidance set out in the Local Plan and the borough’s Supplementary planning documents.

Further planning guidance can be found in the Council’s Planning advice notes.  The Planning Advice Notes provide guidance on a range of planning matters, including Religious meeting places.

Other material considerations include National Planning Policy and the Mayor of London’s London Plan (adopted July 2011) and Supplementary Planning / Best Practice Guidance.