Planning checker · free
Will you need planning permission?
Five short steps against the GPDO 2015 — Classes A through E covered, with statutory references and the route to a Lawful Development Certificate where it makes sense.
Step 1 of 5
What are you planning?
Pick the closest match — we'll only ask the questions relevant to that project type.
Permitted Development is not automatic
PD is a default permission granted by Article 3 of the GPDO, but it disappears the moment a single condition is breached. A Lawful Development Certificate (£129) is the only way to bank legal certainty before you build.
Building Regs are separate
Not needing planning permission has no bearing on Building Regulations. Extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and any structural alteration are notifiable — file a Building Notice or Full Plans application via your council or an Approved Inspector.
Article 4 directions are local
Local authorities can withdraw any PD class within a defined area. Inner-London boroughs and historic market towns use these heavily — phone the LPA's planning enquiries line before assuming Class A applies.
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