Changes to Permitted Development Rights

From 1^st October 2008 permitted development rights for development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse are changing. The changes are significant and relate to extensions and other alterations to dwellings, including roofs, development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse, hard surfacing, chimneys, flues and soil and vent pipes and microwave antennas.

The legislation also makes specific reference to verandas balconies and raised platforms which will now need consent, unless in the case of a raised platform it does not exceed 300 mm in height.

Guidance can be obtained on the Planning Portal website, either direct or via the ‘Useful Links' under ‘Planning' on the Council's website.

If you require a copy of the legislation the revised General Permitted Development Order can be found here and by typing in the statutory instrument number 2008 No.2362 in the search box.

New rules also apply to paving over your front garden.  You will NOT need planning permission if a new driveway uses permeable (or porous) surfacing which allows water to drain through, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.

If the surface to be covered is more than five square metres planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways that do not control rainwater running off onto roads.  See Guidance on the Permeable Surfacing of Front Gardens.

If you have any queries on the new legislation please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Development Control section.

Use the Planning Portal's Interactive house to help you find out if you need planning permission.