Planning and building

If you are planning on carrying out building work on land or property that you own, you may require planning permission. Planning permission is a legal document, issued by us, which allows specific development at a particular site, for example building works or a change of use.

• Search planning applications
• Do I need permission?
• Apply for pre-application advice
• Prior notifications
• Make an application
• The application process
• Online mapping system

Our conservation staff offer expert input into the planning of new development and advice on the built environment, natural environment and archaeology.

• Heritage conservation
• Nature and biodiversity

Building regulations are there to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the public is maintained and buildings are designed to improve thermal performance and conserve fuel and power.

• Approval and permissions
• Apply for building regulations approval
• Retrospective approval
• Starting building work

We have legal duty to ensure that streets are named and properties are numbered. We aim to establish a unique, clear and logical address with an accurate location for each property.

• Address gazetteer

When you purchase a piece of land, a local land search will be submitted, highlighting any legal restrictions affecting the land or property.

Urban design aims to create sustainable urban environments with long-lasting structures, buildings and a great standard of living for people.

• Flood risk management
• Disabled access
• Design standards
• Energy efficiency and sustainability statements

We investigate reports about building work which may have been done without planning permission, or possible breaches of planning permissions or conditions. We investigate an average of 800 suspected breaches of planning control every year.

• Report a planning breach
• Search our enforcement database

We are experiencing unprecedented volumes of planning applications and requests for pre application advice.