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What is the process for applying for planning permission?
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.
Common Questions
Adding air conditioning to your home may be considered permitted development provided all the limits and conditions set out in legislation are met. The limits set out the function, size, placement and quantity of air conditioning units allowed.
The rights only apply if the system provides a heating function (including if it can provide both heating and cooling). If the system only offers a cooling function, then the rights do not apply and an application for planning permission will be required.
If your home is in a protected area such as a Conservation Area then permission will be required. If you live in a listed building then consent will be required.
The installation of air conditioning must comply with building regulations. It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice, preferably one who belongs to either the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or the relevant Competent Person Scheme.
For more information on air conditioning, read our heat pumps common project.
Removing a non-load bearing wall will likely not require building control approval provided it does not affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics.
It is best practice to get a report from a structural engineer to ensure the wall is non-load bearing prior to starting any work.
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.
Demolishing and building a new lean-to will still have comply with planning requirements.
If you live in a conservation area or listed building you may require approval for the demolition.
Whether a lean-to requires planning permission will depend on what the lean-to is used for, it may be an extension, pergola, carport, conservatory or gazebo.
In some cases a building a lean-to will be classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided specified limits and conditions are met. If these are exceeded, then you must apply for planning permission.
Permitted development rules vary based on the type of work you are completing, visit our interactive house mini guides for details on the specific rules.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.
Adding a new driveway to an unclassified road for access to a house or business falls under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
You will have to apply to the relevant highway authority for a dropped kerb if you wish to cross a pavement to access your property.
