My Neighbours Are Doing Some Building Work. Does the Activity or Work That Is Taking Place Need Planning Permission?

We will be happy to discuss your query over the telephone or you can submit your query online and we will investigate it further. Sometimes we will be able to answer your questions immediately. All complaints must be submitted in writing and all details will be kept confidential. However where an issue is an emergency such as works to a listed Building or Protected tree we will respond as a matter of urgency. Your contact details are important in order that we can keep you up to date with any investigation.

Some works are classed as 'permitted development'
Planning rules are decided by the central Government and are complicated. Not all building works need planning permission. For instance, garages, walls, small extensions, etc., may be exempt. Running a business from home does not always need permission.

If we find that the work does not need planning permission, then the planning service cannot take any action. Other Council services may be able to help. The enforcement officer dealing with your case will refer you to another department if they feel it would assist you. Sometimes, advice from a solicitor or Citizens' Advice Bureau might be of help to you.

We will write to you as soon as possible telling you whether planning permission is needed. If it is not, we will tell you why.