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Planning Permission Councils use planning controls to protect the character and amenity of the towns, cities and countryside in their control. Planning regulations, therefore, need to cover many different situations. Minor changes to a home, which can be made without applying for planning permission, are called permitted development rights. While homeowners have a reasonable degree of freedom to alter their property, major works need planning permission from the council. The most common cases that require planning permission are: Additions or extensions to a flat or maisonette, including those converted from houses. You do not need planning permission for internal alterations, or for work which will not affect the external appearance of your property. Dividing part of a property off to use as a separate home (for example, a self-contained flat or bed-sit), or using a building or caravan in the garden as a separate residence. Building a separate house in the garden. Dividing off part of a home for business or commercial use (for example, a workshop), or building a parking place for a commercial vehicle. A building which goes against the terms of the original planning permission. For example, a planning condition may have been imposed to stop a fence in the front garden of a property if it is part of an ''open plan'' estate. The council has a record of all planning permissions in its area. Any work that might obstruct the view of road users. Any work which would involve a new or wider access to a trunk or classified road. Fuel storage tanks. Many types of building or structure can be built without planning permission: sheds, garages, greenhouses, accommodation for pets and domestic animals, summer houses, swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins and tennis courts are all examples. Further Information Useful web site: www.odpm.gov.uk/planning

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