Householders

Certain minor changes to a house do not need planning permission. Such works are called permitted development and benefit from planning permission granted through the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order) (Amendment ) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008, but you should always check whether you need permission before starting any work.

Planning Portal

The regulations are complicated and you can find detailed information to help you through the process on the planning portal website or you can explore the interactive house for guidance on many common householder projects. 

Permitted development enquiry form

The regulations associated with householder development and the need for planning permission for a particular development are complex and it is not always possible to give advice over the telephone on the need for planning permission. Please complete the Permitted development enquiry form. The form should only be used for enquiries for building and other works proposed within the boundary of a single dwelling house.

Building regulations and other approvals

Whether or not your building project needs planning permission you will still need to comply with Building Regulations. For more information and advice go to the Building Regulations section of the planning portal or contact the Building Surveyors Section on (01772) 906574.

There may also be other kinds of consent that you need to get from us before you start work. You are therefore advised to check what other restrictions there are, and what other approvals may be needed before starting work.

Health and safety executive 
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007).

If you are having construction work done on your own home, or on the home of a family member, as a domestic client you do not have to notify the work to HSE and you will not have duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 - although those doing the work on your behalf (such as designers or contractors) will.

To learn more about what the new CDM Regulations mean for you, visit the Health and Safety Executive website.

Email: devcon@preston.gov.uk

Planning Department
Environment Directorate
Lancastria House 
77 -79 Lancaster Road
Preston
PR1 2RH

Telephone: 01772 906581

Date Updated: 04/03/10