Planning permission for building
You can make certain types of minor changes to your home without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called your ‘Permitted Development Rights’.
The Planning Portal Interactive House is a useful guide to give you an idea of whether planning permission may be required for your proposal.
We have listed below some of the common alterations you may want to make to your property and the criteria surrounding whether or not your changes will require planning permission, click on the relevant item to download the PDF:
- Extensions - including single and two storey extensions and conservatories
- Outbuildings - any detached building within the direct area of the main dwelling (curtilage)
- Porches
Important information when deciding whether permission is required
Please note - not all properties have the benefit of Permitted Development Rights, including flats, houses with specific allocations (Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings or Article 4 Directions) or properties which have had their Permitted Development Rights removed. You can check below whether these restrictions apply to your property although you will need to check with the Development Team whether your property had its permitted development rights removed because this is not available online.
Restrictions that may affect your property
Article 4 Direction - to protect the special qualities of an area the Local Planning Authority can ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to approve an Article 4 Direction, which ensures that certain classes of permitted development are no longer exempt from the need for specific planning permission. Here is a list of the properties within an Article 4 Direction. A number of properties within the City of Lincoln are covered by an Article 4 Direction - including Swanpool for which an advice note has been produced for guidance.
Conservation Areas - if you live in a Conservation Area you will need to apply for permission for certain types of work which do not need an application in other areas.
Listed Buildings - if you live in a Listed Building you will need Listed Building Consent for most works whether internal or external. View Listed Buildings here.
Permitted Development Rights Removed - Permitted Development Rights can be removed from your property which means that all external extensions and alterations may need planning permission. These are updated regularly therefore only available by contacting the Development Team direct.
Written confirmation
The guidance sheets are intended for you to check whether planning permission is required yourself, however, if you would like written confirmation please complete the Householder Pre-Application Form and return to the address on the form.
What if planning permission is required?
If planning permission is required we would advise you to use our pre-application service. By using this service one of our development team will look over your application and provide you with help and advice to ensure you submit a valid planning application which can save you time and cost in the long run. Find out more about our pre-application service here.
If you are confident you have everything you need to make a full planning application you can find out what forms and fees you need to include on the submit planning application online page.
