Permitted development

Permitted development rights

Permitted Development Rights allow some alterations and developments to properties without the need to make a formal planning application to the Council. They are granted under Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as later amended.

They usually allow small alterations, for example the erection of walls and fences below a certain height, or painting the outside of a building. They also allow small extensions and conservatories, porches, alterations to roofs and the erection of outbuildings / garages in rear gardens to single houses. However, these Permitted Development rights do not apply to flats/ maisonettes. This includes houses that have been converted into flats and such buildings like 'granny annexes' which would be considered self contained accommodation.

A comprehensive list of links and relevant documents are available below to help you decide whether or not you can start a project without the need to get planning consent but you can always ask us if you are still not sure using the contact details below.

Article 4 directions

An Article 4 Direction is not a conservation designation as such. It is a statement made under the Town and Country Planning Acts, specifically the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995

In some areas and often in conservation areas, the Council may wish to prevent some or all of the minor alterations to land and buildings to preserve the character and appearance of the area. In these instances, an 'Article 4 Direction' may be made to remove some or all of the permitted development rights if they think that the character of the area may be threatened. 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.

Permitted development enquiries

If you want to ask advice about permitted development then there are two ways to get that advice,

• Duty officer appointments where you can get verbal advice only and are restricted to small schemes and householder enquiries only. This service is free and the advice you will be given will be limited.

• Pre-application advice is available for the above and larger schemes. The advice is given in response to a written request for information and can include duty officer meetings as well that results in a written response. There is a fee for this service.

Please use the link on the left hand side to access these options.