Planning law is very complex. Most development or change of use requires planning permission.
Written advice on the need for planning permission or listed building consent requires a fee of £30 (+VAT). Fees are paid in advance. Cheques are payable to Bath and N E Somerset Council and requests sent to Planning Services, PO Box 5006, Bath BA1 1JG.
If you are looking to make changes to your home we have created the downloadable Householder Development Questionnaire which you can fill out and we will be able to let you know if you need permission. If in any doubt contact your local team on 01225 394041 who will be happy to advise you, though due to the complexity of law and regulations we may have to ask you to fill out the Householder Development Questionnaire. Further information on the provision of pre-application advice can be found here.
View informal planning and building regulations information for many common householder projects on the Planning Portal website (external link).
Interactive guidance for householders (Planning Portal - external link)
Note: This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information.
From 6 April 2012 - Amendments to permitted development rights for installation of non-domestic microgeneration equipment;
From 1 December 2011 - New permitted development rights for householders to install micro wind turbines and air source heat pumps on their premises;
From 1 October 2011 - New permitted development rights to allow for the installation of electrical outlets for recharging electric vehicles in off-street public and private car parks and deemed advertisement consent for installers of charging points and energy suppliers to display their nameplates on the charging points.
Houses in multiple occupation and planning permission (Council web page)
Interim Guidance from Communities and Local Government on Amendments to Permitted Development Rights - for Industrial and Warehouse Development, Schools, Colleges, Universities, Hospitals, Office Buildings, and Shops or Catering, Financial or Professional Services Establishments.
Listed Buildings (Council web page)
Changes to Development Management over Demolition (Council web page)
Satellite Dishes (Council web page)
Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (Council web page)
Dropped Kerbs (Council web page)
Roads, highways and pavements (Council web page)
Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens (DCLG web page)
Planning Advertisement Control (Council web page)
Flyposting (Council web page)
Glossary of Planning Terms (Council web page)
Pre-application advice (Council web page)
Apply for Planning Permission (Council web page)
Frequently Asked Questions (Council web page)
Further Planning advice and guidance can be found under Related Information on the right of this page.
New building work will often need to comply with the Building Regulations. These prescribe minimum standards for health and safety. The Planning Portal website also provides advice on Building Regulations. If you would like further advice, please contact Building Control.
This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information.
Whilst we endeavour to ensure the accuracy of the information in our web pages, an occasional error may occur. Should this be the case, please use the contact information listed below.