Planning Exemptions

Generally, you need planning permission for any development of land or property, unless the development is specifically exempted from this requirement. The term 'development' includes the carrying out of works (building, demolition, alteration) on land or buildings and the making of a material, that is significant, change of use of land or buildings.

Exempted development is development for which planning permission is not required. Categories of exempted development are set out in planning law. There are usually certain thresholds relating to, for example, size or height. Where these thresholds are exceeded, the exemptions no longer apply. The purpose of exemptions is to avoid controls on developments of a minor nature, such as small extensions to houses.

Leaflets PL.5, PL.6 and PL.7, which are available from any local planning authority, give details of the main exemptions.