Planning approval is required so that local government can monitor and control the nation’s property development. This is made clear in my blog Do you need planning permission . However, in certain circumstances, development is allowed without planning permission being required for both Dwellings and Buildings other than Dwellings, and this is called Permitted Development. In this piece of writing, I will focus only on Dwellings, and will address the latter at another time.

Permitted Development rights allow householders the authority to improve or extend their property if they follow certain criteria. In fact it is possible to be given a certificate of Lawful Development by the Council for a particular home improvement or extension that would not have been granted Planning Permission. This is because the criteria for Planning Permission is more onerous than that for Permitted Development. Planning Permission considers not just the neighbourliness of the application, but the condition of the amenities like Rights of light or the existence of trees in the vicinity. If trees over 75mm diameter exist, an arboriculture method statement BS 5837 (2012) may be required to ensure that no damage occurs to both the tree and its roots during and after construction. In addition if the neighbours have enjoyed certain views and clear skies for many years, limitations may be imposed before Planning permission can be granted.