Planning Permission — Rights for Applicants and Neighbours

Not all building works require planning permission. Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allow certain works without a formal application:

• ✓Single-storey rear extensions up to certain depths (3m for terraced/semi, 4m for detached — extendable under the Prior Approval route)
• ✓Loft conversions within volume limits that don't extend beyond the roof plane
• ✓Outbuildings (sheds, garages, home offices) within size limits
• ✓Internal alterations (no planning permission needed for most internal work)

Anyone can comment on a planning application — you don't need to be a neighbour. Comments must be based on material planning considerations — personal objections and loss of view are not usually valid grounds.

Valid material planning considerations include:

• ✓Overlooking and loss of privacy
• ✓Overshadowing and loss of sunlight
• ✓Visual impact on the streetscape or character of the area
• ✓Traffic and highway safety
• ✓Noise and disturbance during construction or after completion
• ✓Impact on protected trees or listed buildings
• ✓Drainage and flood risk
• ✓Design incompatibility with the area

If your planning application is refused, you have the right to appeal. Only the applicant (not objectors) can appeal a refusal.

If a neighbour has carried out development without planning permission (or in breach of conditions), you can report it to the council's planning enforcement team.

• ✓Report to your council's planning enforcement team in writing
• ✓Enforcement is generally discretionary — the council decides whether to act
• ✓Common remedies: enforcement notice (requiring work to be undone), stop notice, breach of condition notice
• ✓For most breaches, the council has 4 years to enforce (10 years for change of use)
• ✓You have limited rights as a third party in enforcement proceedings — the council is the decision-maker