Planning Explained
What is Development Control?
Planning law is very complicated and changes quite often, either by the Government passing new laws or regulations, or by the courts changing the interpretation of existing law. The following can therefore only give general advice on what does or does not need planning permission. If you have a more specific problem, the Councils Planning Development Control Service will try to help. You can contact the Development Control Team in person or by writing, but remember that planning officers will need as much information as possible to give you the best advice.
If you wish to make a planning application, you might like to have an informal consultation with one of the Council's planning officers first. Such a consultation can often clear up possible problems at the outset and, in the long run, save considerable time. You must, however, remember that all information and advice is given in an effort to be helpful and is without prejudice to a formal decision on the application. It may also be helpful to get professional advice from a private planning consultant, architect or surveyor.
Useful Planning Guidance and Documents
Is Planning Permission Necessary?
Guide to Use Classes Order and Permitted Changes of Use (PDF 15.1KB)
Applying for Planning Permission
Rights of Neighbours to Object or Comment
Bedfordshire and Luton Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment
A Guide to the Production of Access Statements
Details of the Town and Country Planning (Green Belt) Direction 2005
A Guide for Developers - Environment Agency (Links to External Website)
Shopfront Design Guide (PDF 2.21MB)
Apply Online (Links to Planning Portal)
Contaminated Land Developer's Guide (PDF 256KB)
