Do you need planning permission

Planning Permission is like asking us if you can do a certain piece of building work. We will either refuse or grant permission.

When you may need planning permission

You might need planning permission if you want to:

build something new
make a major change to your building - e.g. building an extension
change the use of your building

There are different rules depending on what you want to do. The planning portal has a list of rules for common building work projects for the home.

When you don’t need it

Some building projects don't need planning permission. This is known as permitted development rights.

Building projects that normally have permitted development rights include:

industrial premises and warehouses - though there are some limits and conditions
some outdoor signs and advertisements - though there are special rules around these
demolition - but before you begin you must get approval to demolish from the planning department

There are other projects that might not need planning permission, e.g. projects that will have no impact on your neighbours or the environment. If you think this could apply to your project, check with us.

In some cases it may not be clear if your development falls into the permitted development category. If this is the case you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. This is not the same as planning permission, but is proof that your building work is lawful.

Planning permission: business premises

Most alterations to business premises do need planning permission, including:

All shop and office extensions
Alterations to shop fronts
External security shutters or grilles
Changes in the use of land or buildings

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) puts uses of land and buildings into various categories known as 'Use Classes'. Please check the Planning Portal for land use classes and general advice and guidance on change of use including additional change of use permitted development rights applying from 30 May 2013.

Larger home extensions

If you want to add a single storey rear extension, you may be able to under the prior approval larger home extension consultation scheme.

If your property is within a Conservation Area then you will need to submit a householder application.

No development shall start until you receive written notification from us that either:

prior approval is not required;
prior approval is required and given;
or the expiry of a period of not less than 42 days following the date on which the information was received by us and no written notification has been sent to the developer as to whether prior approval is given or refused.

Before making an application:

Submit your application for a larger home extension

Listed building

If you wish to carry out internal or external works to a listed building you’ll need listed building consent and probably planning permission.

Our design and conservation team can advise you as to whether listed building consent is required for proposed works and can provide pre-application advise for your proposals.

It is a criminal offence to carry out work which needs listed building consent without obtaining it beforehand.

Conservation area

You’ll need to apply for permission if you wish to demolish a building, or part of a building within a conservation area.

Check if your building is in a conservation area.

Protected tree

Trees are protected in one of two ways, either by inclusion in a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or if the trees are within a conservation area.

You will need our consent before you do any work to a TPO tree. You will need to give us written notice six weeks ahead of work on trees in conservation areas.

It is a criminal offence to carry out work to protected tree(s) without the necessary consent.

TPO tree work application form - this form can also be used to give Notice of Intent for work to tree(s) in a conservation Area:

Tree work application form guidance notes

To check whether trees are protected email us with details of the location and type of trees. We are unable to check a tree’s status by telephone.

Barnet Council will collect and use the information you give us to undertake our functions as a local authority and deliver services to you. It is our responsibility to ensure that your information is kept safe. Where necessary and legally allowed, we will share your information with trusted external organisations, commissioned partners and contracted service providers in order to deliver services and support to you.

The information we collect may be used to better understand your use of our services and assist us in improving our services. This is to ensure we are using public funds in the best possible way. Under our duty to protect public money we may use the information you have provided for the prevention and detection of crime. For further details of how we use your information and to understand your rights please visit www.barnet.gov.uk/privacy

Comments on planning applications and the name and address of the commenter are published online. Please do not include any personal information you would not be happy to be publicly available in your comment. Please do not include personal information of others without their permission. People requesting to speak at planning committee will need to consent to their name and email address to be disclosed to other individuals who have requested to speak.

Display of advertisements

Some forms of advertisement benefit from something called 'deemed consent' and can be put up without approval from us. The government's free booklet, Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers contains useful advice.

Please note that it is a criminal offence to display an advert that requires our consent without first getting that consent.