Planning Permission

Development

Normally anyone who wishes to "develop" land or buildings has to apply to the Council for planning permission. Development is defined as "the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over and under land, or the making of any material change of use of any building or other land".

There are, however, exceptions to this rule and quite often work of a small scale would not need specific permission. For example, in certain circumstances, small house extensions, garages, porches, garden sheds and boundary walls do not need planning permission.

Following regulations laid on the 10 September 2008 new planning rules have come into effect meaning that the majority of homeowners will no longer need to get planning permission to extend their home.

The changes allow people to extend their home up and out for the first time without needing to pay the costs (up to £1000) or wait weeks to get planning permission to start building.

Importantly carefully calculated size limits on these permitted extensions mean the new rules strike the right balance between helping homeowners to better their home and protecting neighbours against larger inappropriate or intrusive extensions.

To view a copy of the new Planning Regulations click here  (61.99 KB). However please note this document is Redditch Borough Council’s interpretation of the legislation and is designed as a guide only. If you are in any doubt as to whether planning permission would be required or not, please contact the Planning Office for guidance or click here  (79.93 KB) to download a form to send to us about changing your home.

Other Types of Permission

There are other types of permission which might also be needed in certain cases. For example, if demolition or alterations are proposed to a listed building (a building of architectural or historic interest and included in a list held at the planning office) a further permission called a Listed Building Consent is also required.

Sometimes permission is also required to display advertisements, for example on shops or business premises.

Getting Advice Before Applying

Planning Officers are available, on request, to discuss any proposals before submitting an applicatio