Check if you need planning permission

You need planning permission for most building work.

However, you can carry out some work without the need to apply for planning permission. This is called 'permitted development'.

You can use Planning Portal’s interactive house to see if you need planning permission.

Even if the work does fall under permitted development, you may still need planning permission, as permitted development may not apply to your property.

Find out if you live in a part of Harlow that doesn't have permitted development rights.

Other things to consider

As well as planning permission, there are other things you need to consider.

  • Building control - even if you don't need planning permission, you may still need building control approval.
  • Covenant control – your property may have restrictive covenants attached to it, which need separate approval.
  • Conservation areas - if you live in a conservation area you may need specific consent, as well as planning permission.
  • Listed buildings - if your property is a listed building you may need specific consent, as well as planning permission.
  • Tree preservation orders – if your development affects a tree with a preservation order attached to it, you’ll need separate approval for this.
  • Sustainable urban drainage - new development should incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems.