Planning permission guidance

Most houses have permitted development rights, which make it possible to replace existing windows (or create new windows) without requiring planning permission from the council. 

This is allowed when:

- the materials of the proposed windows are 'of a similar appearance' to the materials of the existing windows

and

- any upper floor side windows are obscure-glazed and non-opening (or can only be opened at 1.7m height above floor level)

If the house is in a conservation area, or is a listed building, then planning permission is always required to replace windows.

Permitted development rights do not apply to flats. If the design, method of opening, materials and profile of the replacement windows are not the same as the existing windows, then you will need planning permission.

You do not need planning permission to carry out small repairs and maintenance to windows.

Common law allows you to cut back overhanging branches to your boundary at your own expense, but check if the trees are in a conservation area or have a Tree Preservation Order first. Don't trespass or cut beyond the boundary without the owner's permission.

The branches belong to the tree owner and must be offered to them first. If the owner doesn't want them, you must dispose of them at your expense, in a responsible manner.

All work must be carried out carefully. You must avoid damaging property or carrying out work that would leave the tree unsafe or dangerous. You cannot alter the height of trees on neighbouring land without permission from the tree owner.

Although not required under common law, it is recommended to tell the tree owner what you plan to do to avoid any misunderstanding.

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission for:

• small, non-permanent bike stores
• bike stores that are not visible from the road (for example, in your back garden)

If the bike store is a permanent structure and is at the front of the house, or to the side of a house if the side fronts a road, then you might need planning permission. There are no specific permitted development rights relating to bike stores.

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission to install CCTV cameras on your home, but there are some exceptions.

You usually don't need to apply for planning permission to install or replace a security light on your home.

If the property is a listed building, you need to apply for listed building consent. This is to install CCTV cameras or security lights. 

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission to change your front garden into a paved driveway if:

• the area of the hard surface must be more than 5 sq m
• the hard surface is either made of porous materials
• or water runs off onto another porous area on your land

View the relevant planning legislation on installing a driveway.

If you are installing a dropped-kerb, you will still need to apply to our Highways team.

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission to install, remove or replace a chimney or external flue. 

These should go on the side or rear of your property, and should not be taller than 1 metre above the roof. 

Find out more about flue and chimney works on the Planning Portal.

You may need planning permission for these works if you live in:

• a conservation area
• a listed building
• a property where an article 4 direction

You do not usually need to apply for planning permission to build a small building in your back garden if:

• it's for personal use
• you carefully follow the development rules

Download the rules on outbuildings from the Planning Portal (PDF, 221KB) 

Personal use includes use as a home office or gym. 

If you want to build a bigger outbuilding, or to use if for self-contained accommodation, then you will need to apply for planning permission.