Do I Need Planning Permission?

The planning system aims to protect amenity and the environment in the public interest. However, although major works need planning permission from the Council, many minor works by householders do not. In this way, individual householders have permitted development rights to alter and extend their homes. You can search the categories below to find out your permitted development rights. The links give simplified guidance as to those aspects of the planning system that you are most likely to encounter. However they are not the law, nor do they claim to be an authoritative interpretation of the law.

Please note that the above links are for illustrative purposes and do not cover every eventuality. For example, the permitted development rights for your dwelling may have been removed by an Article 4 Direction or a Planning Condition. An Article 4 Direction has removed permitted development rights for dwellings in the Toddington Conservation Area. Planning Conditions removing permitted development rights are sometimes attached to the grant of planning permission for dwellings, especially recently built dwellings, such as the properties at Sandhills in Leighton Buzzard, which have no permitted development rights for extensions or garage conversions.

Also, permitted development rights only relate to the need for planning permission. You may still need to make an application for Listed Building Consent if your proposal relates to a Listed Building, or an application under the Building Regulations.

Many advertisements require Advertisement Consent. For more information about what types of advertisement you need to make an application for go to (links to external website).

If in doubt, please print out and complete the form below. This will enable us to determine whether you need planning permission for your proposal.

Do I need planning permission form (PDF 77.2KB)

Visual Guide for Householders