Planning permission guidance

Some types of home improvements do not need planning permission. They include some extensions. These works are called permitted development. 

To help you understand what permitted development works you can do to your home, read:

• our free 'Find out if you need planning permission' service
• Planning Portal's interactive permitted development guide
• Planning Portal's guide to common homeowner projects
• government guidance on permitted development rights for householders

Sometimes, a planning condition can withdraw permitted development rights from a property. This means that some works that are usually allowed as permitted development will still need planning permission. You can check if this affects your property by selecting the 'planning restrictions' option on Southwark Maps.  

Permitted development rights do not apply to flats. This means that if you want to carry out any external works to your flat, you will need planning permission. 

The Planning Portal's interactive guide for flats provides more information. 

If you're the leaseholder of a property where we own the freehold, please read our guide for homeowners and house owner services before beginning works to your home.