Planning permission is generally required for carrying out any form of "development". Development includes change of use, such as from a dwelling house to a shop, and the construction of or alteration of a building. If you are uncertain as to whether your proposal requires planning permission or not, officers will be pleased to assist.
Small-scale proposals such as minor house extensions and garages, minor extensions to industrial premises, and some changes of use to buildings may not require planning permission. These are referred to as "permitted development".
To assist householders in determining whether a particular proposal is permitted development or requires planning permission, the council has a Pre-Application Enquiry Form [Word: 46k].
This form sets out all the relevant questions, which are needed to determine whether your proposal requires planning permission. The Pre-Application Enquiry Form service is free, and ensures that both you and the council have a record of the decision on your proposal.
For further information on whether you need planning permission or not, please visit the planning portal website.
Applications for Conservation Area and Listed Building Consent
In addition to normal planning permission, specific consent may be required if a proposal involves the demolition of a building in a Conservation Area, or the demolition or alteration of a Listed Building. It should be noted that Listed Building Consent is required for any work, which affects the character of a Listed Building, and that this can include internal as well as external work.
Owners of Listed Buildings are advised to discuss any proposed work with the Council at an early stage. Applications for Conservation Area Consent and Listed Building Consent do not require a fee, however, it should be noted that undertaking work without consent is a criminal offence, which could lead to a substantial fine.
Applications for Advertisement Consent
The display of advertisements, particularly if they are illuminated, may require consent. Early discussion with the council's officers will identify whether advertisements can be sited without the need for consent, and whether consent would likely be granted if this is needed. The council seeks to limit unnecessary advertisement clutter, but recognises the needs of a business to advertise its presence to the public.
Lawful Development Certificates
Applications may be made to establish whether a development or use of land / buildings is lawful in planning terms. This may be done for existing buildings or uses or to establish whether a proposed development would be lawful. These applications are not to obtain planning permission, but rather they are to clarify that planning permission is not required.
Prior Approval for Agricultural Purposes
Some types of development may be carried out without the need to obtain express planning permission under what is known as "permitted development" rights. (see householder developments).
However, before these "permitted development" rights can be implemented for certain types of development, it is necessary to first make a formal submission to the Planning Authority for their "Prior Approval".
The types of development involved are those related to agricultural buildings and works, telecommunications development and the demolition of dwellings.
Go to our Online Forms section.
