When you, or an agent acting on your behalf, have submitted a planning application, the local authority will firstly check the application to check if it’s complete. This validation process allows the authority to ensure everything that is required to decide an application has been received and provided correctly. They will contact you if they require any further information from you.

After the application has been validated, the determination process begins and takes up to 8 weeks for smaller applications, or up to 13 weeks for larger applications. The authority should be able to give you an idea about the likely timetable. The local authority will contact you with their decision.

Read more about the decision-making process for planning applications.

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Permitted development rights allow certain types of work to be carried out without the need to apply for planning permission. It typically covers things like small extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings, provided they meet specific size and location limits. These rights can vary or be removed in areas like conservation zones and by Article 4’s, so it’s best to check before proceeding.  

Read about permitted development and Article 4 directions on Planning Portal

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Replacing the window within a bay window is treated the same as any other window. Meaning that the replacement of windows which have a similar appearance to those previously used would not require an application for planning permission.

Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements will also not require an application.

If you live in a listed building or a designated area then different rules may apply.

For more details on replacing windows, visit our common projects section.

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The failure to obtain planning permission or comply with the details of a permission is commonly known as a 'planning breach'.

A planning breach usually occurs when:

• A development that requires planning permission is undertaken without the permission being granted - either because the planning application was refused or was never applied for
• A development that has been given permission subject to conditions breaks one or more of those conditions.

If the breach involves a previously rejected development (or the retrospective application fails) the council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to put things back as they were.

There are statutory time limits for enforcement, these vary based on when the breach took place.

If the breach took place prior to 25 April 2024

• Change of use of a building, or part of a building, to use as a single dwelling house - Enforcement action can no longer be taken once the unauthorised use has continued for four years without any enforcement action being taken
• Operational development relating to building, engineering or mining - Enforcement action can no longer be taken from four years, beginning the date where the operations were substantially completed.

If the breach took place on or after 25 April 2024

• Change of use of a building, or part of a building, to use as a single dwelling house - Enforcement action can no longer be taken once the unauthorised use has continued for ten years without any enforcement action being taken
• Operational development relating to building, engineering or mining - Enforcement action can no longer be taken from ten years, beginning the date where the operations were substantially completed.

Other time limits:

There is no time limit for enforcement on breaches of planning control relating to relevant demolition.

For any other breach of planning control, ten years beginning with the date of the breach. This predominantly applies to changes of use.

Read more about breaches of planning control and lawful development certificates on Planning Portal.

Categorising land and buildings according to their type and purpose is known as Use Classes.  

A 'Change of use' can be within the same Use Class or from one Use Class to another.

You will need planning permission for certain changes to the use of a property such as changing from a residential use to a business use. However, it is possible to change use between some classes without having to make an application for planning permission.

Depending on the specifics of any proposed change of use, including any building work associated with the proposal, an application for planning permission or prior approval may be required.