Permitted development rights

Permitted development (PD) rights allow certain types of building work and changes of use to be carried out without a full planning application.

Before you start

You should check whether your proposal is permitted development before starting any work.

Use the Planning Portal’s interactive guide to check your project.

What permitted development means

Permitted development rights are set out in national legislation, including:

  • the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended)
  • subsequent amendment regulations (including updates up to 2025)

These rights are subject to national conditions, limitations and exceptions, which vary depending on the type of development and the property.

You may still need to:

  • apply for prior approval
  • comply with building regulations
  • check other legal restrictions

When permitted development applies

Permitted development rights apply to many common types of development, including:

  • small household extensions
  • loft conversions
  • outbuildings (such as sheds and garden rooms)
  • some changes of use (for example, office to residential)

However, these rights are subject to strict limits and conditions, including:

  • size and height restrictions
  • distance from boundaries
  • impact on neighbours
  • materials used

You should check the detailed rules before starting any work.

When permitted development does not apply

Permitted development rights may not apply if:

  • your property is in a conservation area, National Park, or National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
  • the building is listed
  • the property is a flat or maisonette
  • your property is part of a newer development where rights have been removed
  • your rights have been removed by a planning condition or an Article 4 Direction

National Parks are separate planning authorities from the council.

In these cases, you may need to submit a full planning application.

Your responsibilities

You are responsible for checking whether your proposal qualifies as permitted development.

If you carry out work that does not meet the rules, you may need to:

  • submit a retrospective planning application
  • remove or alter the development

The rules can be complex and depend on your specific property and location.

If you need to apply for planning permission or prior approval, you must submit plans and supporting information.

Applications will not be made valid until all required information has been submitted. Missing information may delay the processing of your application.

Prior approval

Some types of permitted development require prior approval from the council before work can begin.

You must apply for prior approval where required before starting work.

This is not the same as full planning permission. It allows the council to assess specific impacts, such as:

  • transport and highways
  • flooding and drainage
  • noise
  • design and appearance
  • impact on neighbours

You must not start work until:

  • you have received written confirmation from the council, or
  • the statutory decision period has passed

Lawful Development Certificate

If you are unsure whether your proposal is permitted development, you can apply for a:

Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)

This provides formal confirmation that:

  • your proposal is lawful, or
  • existing works are lawful

This can be useful when:

  • selling your property
  • avoiding disputes
  • confirming compliance before starting work

Building regulations and other consents

Permitted development rights do not remove the need to comply with other legislation.

You may still need to obtain approval under:

  • Building Regulations
  • the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
  • environmental or licensing requirements

You are responsible for ensuring all necessary approvals are in place.

Find out more about building control

Article 4 Directions

In some areas, permitted development rights have been removed using an Article 4 Direction.

There are currently Article 4 Directions in parts of:

  • Alston
  • Kendal
  • Dalton

These are used where there are specific local planning concerns, such as:

  • protecting the character of conservation areas
  • managing high levels of change of use

If an Article 4 Direction applies, a planning application will be required.

Find out more about Article 4 Directions

Before you start work

You should:

  • check whether your proposal qualifies as permitted development
  • confirm whether prior approval is required
  • apply for a Lawful Development Certificate if you want formal confirmation
  • check building regulations requirements

Get advice before you apply

If you are unsure about your proposal or the likely costs, you can get advice before you apply.