Planning, building and conservation

Planning rules for common projects

  • A back garden fence.

    Fences, gates and garden walls

    You will not need to apply for planning permission if you wish to construct, maintain, improve or take down an existing fence, wall or gate if you meet certain conditions.

  • A home extension underway.

    Extensions

    Rules, known as 'permitted development' rights, allow you to extend a house without needing to apply for planning permission if specific limitations and conditions are met.

  • A front door and window of a terraced house.

    Doors and windows

    You do not usually need to apply for planning permission for certain works.

Living in the borough

  • A row of newly built houses.

    Housing

    View information about housing options, home improvements, moving to the borough, and more.

  • An old busy street scene of Rochdale town centre.

    Local history

    Rochdale's history can be traced right back to the Doomsday Book in 1086. Learn some fascinating information about the rich heritage of Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton, Loughborough and the Pennine villages.

  • Artist impression of new  build flats.

    Improving the borough

    We're working hard to make the borough a better place for residents, visitors and businesses.

Decision making

  • cartoon image of people with a giant filing system

    Policies, strategies and reviews

    We use policy and strategy documents to guide our decisions. We also use them to develop and run our services fairly and consistently.

  • Councillor's committees

    Councillors and committees

    Councillors are responsible for agreeing provision of services and how the council's money is spent.