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Development not needing planning permission

Some development of a minor nature can be carried out without the need to obtain planning permission. This is known as permitted development.

Most development of this sort is for work carried out in your home. Applications for planning permission to carry out domestic work constitute the largest single category of applications dealt with by the council (approximately 40 per cent of the total).

On 1 October 2008, the government introduced changes to householder permitted development rights. The criteria for permitted development are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment)(No.2)(England) Order 2008

For a guide on whether work to a house requires planning permission, you can view the Interactive House at the governments one-stop planning website - the Planning Portal.

If you think your proposal does not require planning permission you should submit an application for a certificate of lawful use/development. It is best to do this before carrying out work because the regulations are complex.

Particular care must be taken if the house is either a listed building, within a conservation area, affected by an Article 4 Direction or in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Some properties in Medway have further restrictions on the work that can be carried out without planning permission.

For example, some developments had conditions imposed when they were built that restrict the permitted development rights that relate to the property. For a formal decision on whether your proposal requires planning permission or not you will need to submit an application for a certificate of lawful development/use.

For more information contact Development Control by telephone: 01634 331700 / fax: 01634 331195 or by email: planning.representations@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Development Control, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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