Permitted Development
(Also known as: Do I need planning permission)
What is Permitted Development?
Permitted development describes building works that do not need planning permission. Some permitted development rights may have been restricted or taken away by conditions attached to the original permission. This could be to safeguard the appearance of an area or protect neighbours from extensions where there is limited garden space. This page will explain what you need to do and where you get further help.
Contact Details:
Address: Planning & Sustainability
Ground Floor
Civic Centre
Southampton
Postcode: SO14 7LS
Telephone: 023 8083 2603
Email: planning@southampton.go.uk
Fax: 023 8083 2607
Details of service:
Please note: From October the 1st 2008 there will be new rules and regulations for permitted development. These new regulations may mean you will not need permission to carry out the development in some cases and in others like new driveways it will mean that you will. Therefore, please check with the planning department before starting any work. The Planning Portal can help with their interactive householders guide. Click the link for further information.
Permitted Development
This page is designed to help you decide if you need permission to build something within the boundary of your property. However, you should always check with the Planning office before starting work even if you are sure if you don't need permission. The documents available on this page will help you decide if you are likely to need permission and an application form for you to find out for sure.
Internal alterations
Permission for internal alterations do not normally require planning approval, unless it is a listed building Most internal alterations do require Building Regulations approval however and you should contact Building Control Their telephone number is 023 8083 2558
Article 4 directions
This describes a building or buildings that have have their permitted development rights removed for a particular reason. Therefore any alterations/extensions that would not normally need permission, would require it. Article 4 directions are made when the character of an area of would be threatened. They are most common in conservation areas. You will probably know if your property is affected by such a direction, but you can check with the planning office if you are not sure.
General rules
Permitted development rights are provided by Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (the GPDO). This allows certain types of development to proceed without the need for planning permission.
The most commonly used permitted development rights relate to dwelling houses. The GPDO permits householders to undertake alterations, minor extensions as well as erect buildings and structures within the boundary of a property, without planning permission.
Schedule 2 of the GPDO specifies all the different types of permitted development rights and the various limitations which apply. The current schedule is divided into 33 parts, each part relates to a particular category of development. A link is provided on the right hand side for you to an external government website.
How to get more information:
Building Control
023 8083 2558
Last updated: 25 November 2008
