Do I need planning permission?

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If you want to build an extension to your property or do other work to your home, or if you want to expand your business or change the use of your premises, you may need to apply for planning permission. Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is known as permitted development.

Establishing if permission is not required

Not all building works require planning permission The Planning Portal has interactive guides to help you. These are very useful guides that can help you to quickly determine whether you need planning permission and/or building regulation approval or not. It contains information on the most common householder applications such as

• 3D guide for houses
• 3D guide for flats
• Extensions
• Loft conversions
• Conservatories
• Porches
• Outbuildings
• Antennas
• Other common projects
• Running a business from home

These types of minor building work including small extensions or boundary walls below a certain height which do not need planning permission; are known as known as “permitted development”

Removal of permitted development rights

In some cases your permitted development rights may have been removed. This could be due to the fact that your property is listed, in a conservation area, or that the rights for a particular housing area have been removed, so if you’re not sure always check with the local planning office. They will be able to confirm whether these rights have been removed from your property, or not.

Dropped Kerb

Please note that all enquiries relating to Dropped kerb applications are answered by the vehicle access team.

If you need to find out if permission is required please call the vehicle access team on 01225 713352 or email vehicleaccess@wiltshire.co.uk who will send out an application pack.

Written confirmation if planning permission is needed

If you wish to establish whether planning permission is required for any proposal you can complete a Do i need planning permission 309kb to get a written response within 15 working days for which a fee of £30 is payable. Alternatively you can apply for a certificate of lawfulness which is a legally binding determination, for which a fee will be payable of half the equivalent planning application and takes between 6-8 weeks to determine.

Further information :

For householder developments the specific legislations is The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Order 2008. More detailed guidance regarding householder permitted development can also be found in the Permitted development householder technical guidance leaflet.

Please note: If your property was built after 1948 it may have had its ‘permitted development’ rights removed by a condition on the original planning permission. You are therefore advised to check this before you progress your building project.  

The withdrawal of permitted development rights is most likely if:

1. Your house is on a large housing estate, especially one with open plan front gardens
2. Your house is a barn conversion.

If your property is a listed building, Listed Building Consent will be required for works to the property even if planning permission is not needed.

Related links

• Planning Portal "Buy a Plan"

Last updated: 13 March 2013