Find out if you need to apply for planning permission

Planning permission is needed for most building work and for changing property from one use to another. To get permission you have to make an application to the council. This involves filling in a form, having plans prepared and paying a fee.

The following are common examples of when you will need to apply for planning permission:

• You want to make additions or extensions to a flat or maisonette (including those converted from houses). You do not need planning permission to carry out internal alterations or work that does not affect the external appearance of the building.
• You want to divide off part of your house for use as a separate home (e.g. a self-contained flat or bed-sit). You want to use a caravan in your garden as a home for someone else. You do not need planning permission to let one or two rooms to lodgers.
• You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use (e.g. a workshop) or you want to build a parking place for a commercial vehicle.
• You want to build something that goes against the terms of the original planning permission for your house (e.g. your house may have been built with a restriction to stop people putting up fences in front gardens because it is on an "open plan" estate). North Lincolnshire Council's Development team can provide information about all planning permissions in the area.
• The work you want to do might obstruct the view of road users.
• The work would involve a new or wider access to a trunk or classified road.

It is important that you do not go ahead with any building work before investigating any need for planning permission and building regulation approval. You may be forced to put things right later. You may even have to remove an unauthorised building.

Find out if you require planning permission

Complete a permitted development enquiry form [PDF(28kb)] and we will let you know in writing whether or not you require planning permission.

More information:

If you are in any doubt about whether you need to apply please contact your Local Development Control Officer.