Planning and regeneration

A guide to what requires planning permission

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 states that development, which includes all new buildings, building extensions, changes of use and residential conversions, requires planning permission. The General Permitted Development Order 1995 sets out certain classes of development that are exempt from this control.

If you require confirmation that a particular proposal does or does not require permission you will usually be asked to make a formal application, with plans, for a Lawful Development Certificate.

Booklets issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions give greater detail and can be obtained from the One Stop Planning and Building Control Desk on the ground floor of Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:45pm).

House extensions

Planning permission will not be required for many alterations and extensions to your house. However, there are limitations as to size, which vary depending on the type of house, its location and the situation of the property. For example, more stringent limitations apply within conservation areas and particular rules apply to porches. Likewise, many works within the property boundary (curtilage), such as garden sheds and detached garages, are permitted subject to limitations relating to their size and position.

Change of use

A material change of use requires permission. However, the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 sets out a number of classes, changes within which do not require planning permission. Planning permission is, for example, required to change a greengrocer (Class A1) to a hot food takeaway (Class A3), but not a greengrocer to a shoe shop (both within Class A1). Some freedoms are given by the General Permitted Development Order 1995, which permits certain changes between classes without planning permission.

Lawful development certificate

These certificates will be issued by the council, when the appropriate conditions are satisfied, to an applicant who wishes to have the lawfulness of any existing or proposed building or use confirmed. However, whether planning permission is required for a proposed development may not be straightforward. Such lawfulness will be established by the passage of time or the application of the permitted development rules with respect to house extensions. Provided circumstances do not change, the certificate precludes the council taking enforcement action against the development.

Advertisement control

The regulations that control advertisements are complex and, while many signs do not need consent, advice should be sought from a planning officer.

Listed building consent

This is required for any works or demolition, alterations or extensions. Where required, planning permission will also need to be obtained. It is an offence to carry out work without obtaining consent. The penalty can be an unlimited fine, 12 months imprisonment or both.

Conservation area consent

This is required to demolish buildings. (Please note: listed buildings require listed building consent). Details and advice about conservation areas can be obtained from the Urban Design and Conservation Team (see below).

Trees in conservation areas

Six weeks notice must be given to the local authority before pruning or felling trees in a conservation area. To find out if the trees on your property are subject to conservation area regulations please contact Planning Control (see below). Failure to give sufficient notice before carrying out works to trees in a conservation area could result in a fine of up to £20,000. You can download an application for consent to carry out works to protected trees below.

Tree preservation orders

Pruning or felling trees subject to a tree preservation order (TPO) requires permission. To find out if the trees on your property are subject to a TPO please contact Planning Control. Failure to obtain the required permission before carrying out works to preserved trees could result in a fine of up to £20,000. You can download an application for consent to carry out works to protected trees below.

Contact Details

Contact name

Planning Control

Telephone

020 8726 6800

Email

planning.control@croydon.gov.uk

Address

Planning Control
Croydon Council
Taberner House
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 1JT

Contact name

Urban Design and Conservation Team

Department

Planning & Transportation

Telephone

020 8726 6000 x61980

Fax

020 8760 5424

Address

Planning & Transportation
Croydon Council
18th Floor North East
Taberner House
Park Lane
Croydon CR9 1JT