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How can I find out if my land is in a green belt?
The green belt is a specially designated area of countryside protected from most forms of development. It is protected to help stop urban sprawl, preserve the character of existing settlements and encourage development within existing built-up areas.
The government are working on improving access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can view their progress here and see whether your land is greenbelt (note: this tool is currently under development).
You should contact your local planning authority to find out if your land is in a green belt area, and any policies or restrictions that may apply as a result.
Common Questions
Yes, under permitted development, a new dormer must not be higher than the existing highest part of the roof. It should also have materials that are in similar appearance to the existing roof. Additional limits apply in conservation areas and on listed buildings. Read about planning permission for loft conversions on Planning Portal
Adding a personal or commercial glamping pod will often require planning permission due to the size and permanence of the structure.
For personal use, whether you require planning permission depends on the size of the structure. If it’s placed in your garden, then it may be classed as an outbuilding and fall under permitted development rights. This only applies if it is not treated as a new living space which many glamping pods will be. Full details on outbuildings are available on our common project pages.
For commercial use, planning permission will be needed for the addition, where relevant this will also cover the change of use. An application should include any utilities connections or access roads that will be added alongside the pod.
Due to the complex nature of installing a glamping pod, we’d recommend talking to your local planning authority or our Planning Guidance Service.
Your gas meter should only be moved by your energy supplier or your local gas network operator. For more information contact your energy supplier to understand if they can move it based on your requirements.
Full details on gas safety and planning can be found on our utilities common project.
If you do not seek planning permission, build without it when it applies, or do not meet specified conditions of a planning permission, this is known as a planning breach.
Your local planning authority can serve an enforcement notice on you when they consider you have broken planning rules. You may be given the opportunity to apply retrospectively, or be required to remove a building or structure, or alter it to make it acceptable.
Installing patio doors at the rear of your house is likely to fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required, provided certain limits and conditions are met.
The doors should be of similar appearance to those previously used, if they are not then generally planning permission will be required.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works.
If you live in a designated area such as a conservation area or national park, then additional restrictions may be in place.
If you are unsure whether the work falls within permitted development rights you can check with your local planning authority or submit a lawful development certificate to prove the change is lawful and prevent any future enforcement action.
