Make a planning application as a homeowner: step by step

This step-by-step will help you find out if you need planning permission for changes to your home or property, and take you through the application process.

Please note the Planning Register will be unavailable from Saturday 30th July to 5pm Sunday 31st July.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

This step-by-step will help you find out if you need planning permission for changes to your home or property, such as home improvements or extensions. It will also take you through the application process.

If you're planning a larger construction project or a new development, more charges and guidance will apply. Follow our step-by-step process to make a planning application as a developer.

  1. Check if you need planning permission

    Not all developments need planning permission. You can use Planning Portal to find out whether you need to apply.

  2. Check planning policy in your area

    In order to get planning permission, you should make sure your plans and designs are in keeping with local planning policy.

  3. Get pre-application advice

    We recommend that you get advice from us or another professional about your proposals.

  4. Submit your planning application

    You can submit your planning application online or send it by post.

  5. After submitting a planning application

    Information on how we make a decision to grant or refuse planning permission.

  6. Appeal or revise an application

    How to appeal a refused planning application, submit a revised application and amend an approved decision. 

  7. Planning enforcement and breaches

    Information on planning breaches and how we act to prevent them.