Planning application fees from December 6, 2023

The sections below cover various situations in which you may need planning permission. 

You may also require planning permission to change the use of land or buildings from one use to another.

There are some cases where you may not need to apply for planning permission, providing the works meet certain limits and conditions. This is known as permitted development.

However, if you need to confirm that your proposal does not require planning permission you will need to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.

If you do need planning permission we also offer a pre-application advice service so that you can discuss your proposal with a planning officer before submitting a planning application.

Residential planning permission

New-build homes will always require planning permission. Chapter 4 of our Core Strategy sets out the Development Strategy for Charnwood and the settlement hierarchy used to help guide decisions about where new development may be acceptable.

If you are planning to build an extension or carry out work to your home or garden there are some cases where you may not need to apply for planning permission, providing the works meet certain limits and conditions. The Planning Portal provides answers to some frequently asked questions and offers guides covering a wide range of common projects such as:

Guidance is also available for the creation of a new vehicle access (or dropped kerb).

We have also developed a set of self-assessment forms which will help you to assess whether you require planning permission for your proposed development.

Even if you do not require planning permission for your project, you may still need building regulations approval for the works you are proposing.

Non-residential planning permission

Works to single buildings which are not a family home (factory units, offices, shops, flats, etc.) will usually require planning permission.

In 2011 we removed permitted development rights across Loughborough for the change of use from a family dwelling to a house in multiple occupation (HMO's) so to be able to exercise planning control over such developments.

This planning control, called an Article 4 Direction, came into effect from February 12, 2012, and means that any change of use from a family dwelling in Loughborough to a HMO after this date will always require planning permission

Listed buildings and conservation areas

If your proposed works are to a Listed Building, you will almost certainly need Listed Building Consent, as well as any relevant planning permission or building regulations approval. You can find out whether your building is listed using My Charnwood.

There are also more restricted planning controls for some works in conservation areas. You can find out whether your property is in a conservation area using My Charnwood.

Advertisements

Most outdoor advertisements require a special form of planning permission called Advertisement Consent. Displaying advertisements without advertisement consent is a criminal offence. 

Trees and hedgerows

Works to trees and hedgerows may require planning permission. If a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, or is located within a designated conservation area, then you will need to obtain consent from the council before carrying out any works to it.

Last updated: Fri 1st December, 2023 @ 08:23