Householder Planning

Do I need Planning Permission?

You can make certain types of minor changes to your home without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called 'permitted development'. Other works or alterations need planning permission.

Changes to Permitted Development
The Government has published new legislation regarding the types of development a homeowner can carry out without planning permission. It came into force on 1 October 2008. The legislation relaxes planning controls on smaller extensions. There are also new controls over laying hard surfaces such as driveways.

The changes will apply to any new development commenced from 1 October 2008. If you are uncertain as to whether your proposals are 'permitted' or not please complete a Householder Development Enquiry Form to get an informal opinion as to whether you need planning permission and/or Building Regulations approval.

The Planning Portal provides an interactive Visual Guide for Householders with information on common householder projects that relect the new changes.

The changes are summarised on the Planning Portal website where you can check a list of common building projects to see if the works you are considering need planning permission.

The Council has published an Advice Note - Extending Your Home. It gives advice as to how you can extend your homes, or carry out other development to your property, without harming the appearance of the area, your neighbours' enjoyment of their own property or other important planning issues.

Hard copies of the document can be obtained by phoning 01789 260303 or by e-mail: planning@stratford-dc.gov.uk. The document can also be viewed at District Council Offices.

Guidance on paving front gardens
From 1 October 2008, the Government has introduced changes to the General Permitted Development Order making the hard surfacing of more than 5 square metres of domestic front gardens permitted development only where the surface in question is made permeable. Use of traditional materials, such as impermeable concrete, where there was no facility in place to ensure permeability, requires an application for planning permission. The new controls are aimed at reducing water run-off which contributes to flooding.

The purpose of the guidance is to advise householders of the options for achieving permeability and meeting the condition for permitted development status.

Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens

Climate Change and Your Home
An interactive web portal by English Heritage, designed specifically to help those who own or manage houses built of traditional construction understand more about the potential impacts of climate change and ways to save energy.

I need to submit a Planning Application

Householder Developments:
Householder developments are defined as those within the curtilage of a house (or a single flat) which require an application for planning permission and are not a change of use.

Included in householder developments are extensions, conservatories, loft conversions, dormer windows, alterations, garages, car ports or outbuildings, swimming pools, walls, fences, domestic vehicular accesses including footway crossovers, porches, balconies/terraces and satellite dishes.

Excluded from householder developments are applications relating to any work to two or more flats, applications to change the number of dwellings (flat conversions, building a separate house in the garden), changes of use to part or all of the property to non-residential (including business) uses, anything outside the garden of the property (including stables if in a separate paddock).

Sustainable Low-carbon Buildings
The Council has recently adopted a Supplementary Planning Document called 'Sustainable Low-carbon Buildings' which provides guidance on the implementation of policies to promote sustainable drainage, energy conservation and renewable energy. The requirements apply to all applications for planning permission, including householder applications. You are advised to refer to these new requirements before submitting your application.

Simplified Energy Statement form for householders - format for giving information on proposed sustainable drainage and energy efficiency measures as required by the 'Sustainable Low-carbon Buildings' SPD. You can complete this form to meet the requirements for an Energy Statement to accompany a householder planning application.

1APP Householder Application Forms

• Form 1. should be used when planning permission is needed for work to a domestic house (not flats).
• Use Form 2. if your property is in a conservation area and needs demolition requiring conservation area consent.
• Use Form 3. if your property is a listed building.

For further information please contact us on 01789 260303 or by email at planning.applications@stratford-dc.gov.uk or by fax on 01789 260306.