Types of planning applications (FAQs)
I want to make changes to my home
The information in this section will help you establish whether planning permission is required for various alterations to your home.
Do I need planning permission to change my windows or doors?
Flats
You will need to apply for full planning permission for changes to a window or door if:
- it will be installed where there was not one before;
- it will be made of a different material to the existing (for instance replacing a timber window with a uPVC window);
- it will be of a different size to the existing; or
- it will differ in appearance to the existing (for instance replacing a sash window with a casement window or altering the glazing bar pattern).
Houses
You will need to apply for householder planning permission for changes to a window or door if:
- it will be made of a different material to the existing (for instance you want to replace a timber window with a uPVC window);
- your house is covered by an Article 4 direction (usually in a conservation area) and you want to install or replace windows/doors on the front of your house (or side if visible from the street); or
- a new window will be located on the upper floor of the side of your house (including the roof slope) and would be clear-glazed and openable (unless the opening part of the window is more than 1.7m above the floor of the room in which it is installed).
Listed buildings
- If your house or flat is a listed building, you will also need to apply for listed building consent to install or replace any windows or doors.
Do I need planning permission to add an extension or conservatory?
Flats
You will need to apply for full planning permission to add an extension or conservatory to your flat.
If your flat is part of a listed building, you will also need to apply for listed building consent to add an extension or conservatory.
Houses
You will need to apply for householder planning consent to add an extension or conservatory if it is not permitted development.
If your house is a listed building, you will need to apply for listed building consent.
Do I need planning permission for Loft conversions and roof extensions?
Flats
If your property is a flat, you will need to apply for full planning permission for the works related to converting your loft into extra living space if:
- a new roof light will be installed
- new upper floor windows in a wall or roof to the side of your flat will be clear-glazed or able to be opened (unless the opening part of the window is more than 1.7m above the floor of the room in which it is installed)
- any alteration to the roof will include the installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe
- the flat is covered by an Article 4 Direction
If your flat is a listed building (or part of a listed building), you will need to apply for listed building consent.
Houses
If your property is a house (and you occupy all of it), you will need to apply for householder planning permission for the works related to converting your loft into extra living space if it is not permitted development. If your house is a listed building, you will need to apply for listed building consent.
Do I need planning permission to erect garden buildings, greenhouses and sheds?
Flats
You will need to apply for full planning permission to erect a garden building, greenhouse or shed in your garden (including timber sheds).
Houses
You will need to apply for householder planning permission to erect a garden building, greenhouse or shed if it is not permitted development.
Do I need planning permission for Flat conversions?
You will need to apply for full planning permission to convert a house into flats or to change the number of flats in a building.
If your property is a listed building (or part of a listed building), you will also need to apply for listed building consent to convert a house into flats or to change the number of flats in a building.
You may also find it useful to look at the planning portal which offers planning advice, interactive tools and mini guides to common projects.
Party Walls
The Council is not involved in the preparation, review or monitoring of any Party Wall Agreement. The Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides useful guidance on Party Wall matters.