Can I apply for planning permission for development that I have already carried out?

Yes, planning law does allow people to make retrospective applications. Where unauthorised development takes place and there is a reasonable chance that it might be approved by the Council, we will normally invite you to submit a such a retrospective application. This is in line with Government advice in Planning Policy Guidance Note 18 (PPG18).

In considering retrospective applications, the Council should not normally be swayed in either direction by the fact that the development has already taken place. Permission should not be refused just because the development was unauthorised and permission should not be granted just because the development is already there and would be expensive to remove or alter.

As with any other planning application, the Council may impose conditions on retrospective applications. It may be that such conditions can help to remedy any perceived problems with the development, without the need for demolition or other more drastic action.

Useful forms and links can be found on the right hand side of this page.