A householders guide to planning applications

These are applications dealing with house extensions, garages, erection of walls and fences to domestic properties, or any other outbuildings within the boundary of your own property. Please note: if your property is a listed building you must also apply for listed building consent.  Planning permission may also be needed if your property lies within a Conservation Area. 

To determine if your proposal needs planning pemission you can:

  • Apply for a lawful development certificate (Proposed) - will confirm whether or not your proposal requires planning permission. If you do need planning permission, you will be invited to submit a householder application including any additional fee and documents needed to determine the application.
  • Apply for lawful development certificate (Existing) - if you have extended your property without planning permission but would like formal confirmation that planning permission was not required.

A Certificate is a legally binding decision which protects all parties and can be relied upon when conducting property searches.  

  • Apply for householder planning permission. 

Submit online via the planning portal

By post or in person

Please note: only one copy of the application form, plans and other necessary supporting information is now neccessary. 

Lawful development certificate - Proposed and Existing  Householder application    
Certificate of lawfulness -Proposed development (251kb pdf). Householder application form (258kb pdf)
Certificate of lawfulness - Existing use or operation (265kb pdf). Help note - completing the application form (36kb pdf) 
Checklist - certificates of lawfulness. Checklist - householder planning application
Guidance note – applying for a certificate of lawfulness (33kb pdf) Guidance note – householder planning application (33kb pdf)
Other relevant documents

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you check whether building regulations is also required for your proposed development.