Planning Permission vs Permitted Development: What UK Homeowners Need to Know

As weather conditions improve and daylight hours get longer, this is the busiest time for building projects. Whether it is an extension, conversion or building your own dream home – it’s an exciting time. But building can mean dealing with legal requirements with one being whether you need Planning Permission or whether your project falls under Permitted Development (PD). Let’s look into what these two frameworks mean and what your spring/summer project requires:

What is Planning Permission?

This approval is reserved for major changes such as extensive alterations (large extensions, loft conversations etc), building a new structure or changing the use of the building. Planning Permission requires formal approval from the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

What is the process?

It involves submitting plans to the LPA and planning officers will then check whether the application is complete. They will then notify the applicant of a target decision date which is usually 8 to 13 weeks from the submission date (depending on size and complexity of the project). Neighbours and specialist groups are then consulted and any public objections or comments are invited. The last stage of planning is the application being assessed against local policies by a case officer who then makes a recommendation. A written notification of approval or refusal will then be sent to the applicant. 

What is Permitted Development?

Is faster and cheaper but only allows certain home improvements such as small extensions, loft conversions or small outbuildings. The rights are granted by Parliament (instead of an LPA) and are designed to simplify the planning process. Some limitations include rights being reduced in Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or if the building is Listed.

What is the process?

Once you’re certain your project falls under Permitted Development, prepare thorough plans detailing the proposal and then submit to your local Planning Portal. Pay the required fee for the lawful development certificate and await a decision from the council. 

Don’t let legal hurdles put you off your dream building project. At Parker & Son we’re here to turn that dream into a reality and support you every step of the way to make the project as easy and stress free as possible.

Contact details   Tel: 01424 892933  [email protected]   https://www.parkerandsonconstruction.co.uk

Parkers Yard, Little Acre, The Green, Ninfield, Battle, East Sussex TN33 9JG