This guidance is for home owners wanting to begin a Domestic Planning Application, like an extension, façade or roof change, or an outbuilding project. It explains the step by step to find out if planning permission is needed.
Remember, the purpose of the planning system is to ensure that house extensions and outbuildings that require planning permission are well designed and do not impact negatively on neighbouring properties.
What you need to know…
A. Is my house in a Conservation Area?
Click here to find out …If the answer is YES, please contact the planning department.
B. Is my property a Listed Building or a heritage asset under the Local List?
Click here to find out … If the answer is YES, please contact the planning department.
C. Are any of my trees under a Tree Protection Order (TPO)?
Click here to find out …If the answer is YES, please contact the planning department.
D. Is there an Article 4 Direction on the property?
Article 4 Directions have been put in place on several specific properties, mostly within conservation areas. These impose restrictions on minor building work, such as small extensions, outbuildings, and changes to windows and doors. The details of each direction vary, and you are advised to use our Minor Works Enquiry Service if you are thinking of doing work within the area. Areas covered by article 4: Devonshire promenade; Foxhall road; Sneinton; Strelley village; Waterloo promenade; Wellington terrace
Click here to find out … If the answer is YES you will need planning permission.
E. Look at your title deeds
Check the boundaries of your property with precision, and that there are no restrictions within your title deeds regarding the development you wish to carry out. The planning authority will NOT check restrictive covenants.
F. Find a qualified professional
It is highly recommended that you to hire a qualified architect to design your extension and produce your plans. You should ask for examples of their previous work that has been granted planning permission. Whilst cost is a consideration, it is not always better to go for the cheapest option. Architects will change for changes to plans, so if a low quality proposal is submitted which requires many changes during the planning application, this could end up costing you more money than an architect who charges more up-front but submits a high quality proposal that considers features raised in this design guide. RIBA have a tool for finding a Chartered architect.
G. Talk to your neighbours
Before submitting a planning application, you should show your proposed plans to your neighbours and speak to them about it. We will consult them during the planning application, so speaking to them before the process starts will help to retain good relationships with your neighbours.
H. There is a Design Code in place for domestic planning applications in Nottingham
Your proposal will need to meet all the Domestic Applications Design Code criteria (COMING SOON) for planning permission to be granted.
Definitions
Planning Portal: do I need Planning Permission?
A housing extension is an incidental use building that is ancillary to the existing building.
An annex - sometimes called “granny annexe”- are a common form of development that is generally proposed in order to allow relatives to live with their family with a degree of independence. An annexe is accommodation which is ancillary to the main residential dwelling and used for this purpose. It is a self-contained living space that features a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and is part of an existing house.
An outbuilding is defined as an enclosed non-habitable structure that is detached from any dwelling. These separate structures are used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house. In other words, an outbuilding is a type of building that is separate from your main property and is used for additional purposes. Examples of outbuildings includes sheds, greenhouses, garages, swimming pools etc.
Ancillary use is of secondary importance, auxiliary or supplementary. An ancillary use needs planning permission and is generally anything you (as a person) could do normally in a standard house as built; e.g. eat, sleep, sit comfortably, pray, study, watch tv, shower.
Article 4 Direction Historic England definition
Conservation Area Historic England definition
Green Belt is a strip of countryside round a city or town where building is not allowed, these are designated by planning police.
Incidental use is of a minor, casual, or subordinate nature. It might include storage, swimming, bowling, gym, art studio, or something that can be classed as a hobby. An incidental use is “parasitic” on the primary use and cannot exist without it.
Listed Building Historic England definition
Local List Historic England definition
Restrictive Covenant is an imposed restriction on the use of land so that the value and enjoyment of adjoining land will be preserved.
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Woodland Trust definition