Planning guides

Written for homeowners, not planners. Each guide explains how the rules generally work and where the answer depends on your own property.

• Do I need planning permission for an extension?

  Some extensions need a planning application and some are allowed under permitted development, subject to limits and conditions. Which applies depends on your property, not on the type of extension alone.

• How long does a planning application take?

  Local planning authorities aim to decide most householder applications within eight weeks of validation. The full timeline from first enquiry to decision is usually longer, because preparation and validation happen first.