Do I need planning permission?
Summary
Not all development needs planning permission. You don't need planning permission for most types of internal alterations to buildings unless the building is listed, or for some external changes (e.g. installing telephone connections or alarm boxes). Any other types of development will most likely need permission - the 'further information' below lists some of the common types of work where planning permission is needed.
If you are still not sure...
You can send us details of your planned work and we will let you know what types of permission you need, and which forms to complete. Send us the details online or download the form by following instructions & links below. You will need to make sure you send a sketch plan of what you intend to do, as this is essential for our officers to give you the best help and advice.
How to find out if you need planning permission
- Fill out the online form or download and print the planning permission enquiry form - links below;
- Complete the form, which asks for:
- your name & contact details;
- the address of the development you are proposing (so we can find out if there are any restrictions on the kind of development you can do there);
- brief description of the propsed work, and;
- details about the property or land (e.g. has it been extended already, are there any outbuildings etc.). - Include a sketch plan of what you want to do - if you are using the online form you can either send an electronic copy of the plan, or download a printable version of the form once you've completed it, and post it to us along with your sketch.
Printable forms
The following link(s) require a plug-in, and will open in a new browser window [
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Further information
Examples of when you will need planning permission
The following are examples of when you will need to apply for planning permission:
- You want to make external additions or extensions to a flat or maisonette (including those converted from houses).
- You want to divide off part of your house for use as a separate home (for example, a self-contained flat or bed-sit) or use a caravan in your garden as a home for someone else. (However, you do not need planning permission to let up to 50% of your available rooms to lodgers.)
- You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use (for example, a workshop).
- You want to build a parking place for a commercial vehicle at your home.
- You want to build something which goes against the terms of the original planning permission for your house - for example, your house may have been built with a restriction to stop people putting up fences in front gardens because it is on an "open plan" estate. We have a record of all planning permissions in the area of your property.
- The work would involve a new or wider access to a trunk or classified road.
Other small changes, for example putting up walls and fences below a certain height, have a general planning permission for which an application is not required.
If the above does not cover what you wish to do, you should discuss your proposals with our Development Control Team. You can make an appointment with us using the contact details below, and we'll be pleased to advise you on whether permission is needed.
Alternatively, you can find further information on the types of work that need permission on the National Planning Portal [external link].
Enforcement
If you go ahead with your development without the required permission, we may ask you to make a retrospective planning application (an application for the work that has already been completed).
If it is decided that permission should not be granted you may have to put things back as they were. You can appeal, but if the verdict comes out against you and you still refuse to comply the Council can take action to resolve the problem. Find out more about the Enforcement procedure.
Related pages on this website
External links
Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG): planning
The ODPM website contains detailed information on planning regulations and law, as well as an excellent guide for householders. If you’ve never had to seek planning permission before, read this guide first!
National Planning Portal: planning permission
Advice and guidance on whether you need planningh permission from the Planning Portal.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Development Control Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| freephone: | 0808 168 3000 |
| telephone: | 01508 533845 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
