Planning permission

• Permitted development
• Permitted Development Service
• Permitted Development Service fees
• Type of proposals
• Lawful development certificate

Permitted development

You can find out more about whether you need planning permission on some of the most common types of projects such as loft conversions, porches and smaller single storey house extensions.

To find out if you need planning permission, you can request:

• Informal advice - this is provided through our permitted development service. This is a paid service.
• A formal decision - this is applying for a lawful development certificate. This fee is provided on the Planning Portal. 

If your project is within the South Downs National Park you will need to use the South Downs Do I Need Planning Permission service (opens new window).  

Permitted Development Service

Some types of development do not need planning permission. This is called permitted development. If you wish to know whether a particular proposal requires planning permission, you can use our advice service. We also advice on works to listed buildings and advertisements.

What we offer

• An informal officer opinion as to whether permission is required for a development.
• A written response in the form of a letter or email within 15 working days. 
• Input from the Council's Planning Technicians.

What we do not offer

• Advice on complex proposals. If the facts of the case are inconclusive, require significant research in to case law or a formal legal opinion then a Lawful Development Certificate may be required.
• A site visit or meeting. All advice will be via a desktop analysis.
• Views as to whether permission would be granted if required.

Permitted Development Service fees

Type of proposals

Depending on the type of proposal the permitted development service is split into the following categories:

Do I need planning permission - householder

Do I need planning permission - commercial and housing

Do I need listed building consent?

Do I need advertisement consent?

Lawful development certificate

If you would like an formal decision, you can apply for a lawful development certificate (opens new window). This certificate is a legally binding document that protects all parties and can be relied upon when conducting property searches. There are 2 types of certificates:

• Apply for a lawful development certificate (Proposed) - this will confirm whether or not your proposal requires planning permission.
• Apply for lawful development certificate (Existing) - this will confirm  whether or not planning permission was required for work which has taken place.