You can make some building changes without applying for planning permission.
Use our free tool to see if you need to apply for planning permission, before you apply.
This service should be used for guidance only. It does not represent a formal decision, nor is it legal advice.
Get a lawful development certificate if you want to:
confirm that your planned works do not need planning permission (for example, permitted development)
check if the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes
check if completed works are immune from planning enforcement action
It's helpful to know a property's history. This can affect what you can do.
Use the Planning Register to check a property's history. Or, look up the property using Southwark Maps.
If you made changes to your property which needed planning permission but you did not apply for it, you can apply now. This does not mean we will automatically grant planning permission. We will assess the application in the usual way.
Where planning permission is not needed, this is called permitted development. To understand what work you can do to your home that’s permitted development, read:
Talk to Planning Aid for expert advice. It's independent. Do this before applying or doing any building work. They give advice to individuals and communities about planning issues.
Search the Architects Registration Board register for a qualified architect. You'll probably need one if you're thinking about carrying out works to your home or business.