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Permitted Development

Is your project covered by permitted development rights?
Many projects can go ahead without a full planning application if permitted development rights apply. We help you find out whether yours qualifies, and guide you through securing the right authorisation.

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Why permitted development rights matter

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order lets many projects go ahead without full planning consent. Knowing early whether your project qualifies can save you significant time and cost. Our Chartered Town Planners can tell you whether the legislation applies, and guide you through securing the right authorisation.

These rights cover more ground than most people expect. They can apply to farm buildings and forestry work, home extensions and outbuildings, changes of use for commercial buildings, and even temporary uses of land. However, the rules vary considerably depending on your property type and location, so it is always worth getting advice before you start work.

At Batcheller Monkhouse, we help landowners and homeowners across Kent, Sussex and Surrey understand exactly where they stand, and what to do next.

KEY CONTACTS

Charlotte Catton-Giltinane
Assoc RTPI

01798 877555
Email Charlotte

Christine Dadswell
MRTPI

01892 509280
Email Christine

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Thinking about diversifying your land or buildings?

Permitted development rights are often the starting point for a wider diversification project, whether that is converting a redundant farm building or putting land to a new seasonal use. Our Rural Consultancy team can help you explore the options.

Explore Rural Diversification

Common questions about permitted development

Farm and forestry businesses can build or extend farm buildings and tracks under these rights, often without planning consent. In some cases, you can also convert farm buildings into homes or commercial space.

Homeowners can extend, alter, or add outbuildings and boundary treatments without planning approval in many cases. Detached houses usually have more freedom than flats, listed buildings, or homes in conservation areas.

Many buildings can change to a new use without planning permission. New use classes now group commercial uses like offices and retail together, giving owners more flexibility.

The GPDO allows certain temporary uses of land, such as camping or film sets, for a set number of days each year before you need a formal change of use. This applies to land only, not buildings.

It depends on your property type, location, and the specific project. We can assess your situation and tell you where you stand before you commit time or money.

You can check the general rules yourself, but the legislation is complex, and getting it wrong can mean unauthorised development. We recommend getting advice before you start work, particularly for listed buildings, conservation areas, or agricultural conversions.