Do I need planning permission - Commercial

The Planning Service receives requests from businesses for advice on the need for planning permission and whether development which has already been carried out is authorised. Frequent questions asked are:

  • Do I need planning permission to alter or extend an office, shop, factory or other commercial premises?
  • Can you confirm the current use of land or buildings is authorised and does not require planning permission?   (Further advice on the Use Classe Order can be found here).
  • Can you confirm the proposed use of land or buildings will not require planning permission?
  • Have all conditions relating to a development been complied with?

In response to these requests the Service will be helpful and provide general advice based on the relevant planning rules and legislation in place at the time. However, planning legislation can appear complex and is subject to change. The need for planning permission may depend on location, the particular circumstances of each site and the specific proposal. In some cases this may raise legal issues which may not always be apparent when discussing the request.

Advice and guidance with regard to advertisement control can be found via the following below.

If you require legally binding confirmation that a specific scheme does not need planning permission or complies with an existing permission,  a response can only be provided if you apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for an Existing Use/Development or Proposed Use/ Development.  This Certificate will ensure the advice can fully take into account all the necessary information relating to the site, including possibly a visit to assess the site. A formal decision is provided in the form of a Certificate giving an accurate and precise answer and which is retained for the Council’s records.

Submit an application online

You can make an application  for a certificate of lawfulness online using the The Planning Portal.

Submit by post or in person

Please note: due to a review of procedures, we will now accept planning applications where only one copy of the application form, plans and other necessary supporting information are provided. 

Application forms and checklist

Certificate of lawfulness Form -existing use or operation (265kb pdf).

Certificate of lawfulness Form -proposed use or development (251kb pdf).

Checklist for certificates of lawfulness (53kb pdf).

The Service recognises the need to deal with these requests promptly, particularly where the need for a Certificate affects property sales, and aims to provide a Certificate within 15 working days in 90% of all cases. However, where the request raises complex legal issues, further information may be sought from the applicant and the period for decision may take longer.