Permitted Development Rights

No, you don't legally need to notify your neighbors for works covered by Permitted Development Rights. However, as a courtesy, it's often a good idea to discuss your plans with them, especially for projects that might affect their property, such as building near a boundary.

Note that this is different from full planning permission, where the council will typically notify your neighbors as part of the application process.

Yes, Permitted Development Rights can be removed or restricted in several ways:

• Article 4 Directions: Local authorities can issue these to remove PD rights in specific areas (common in Conservation Areas)
• Planning Conditions: Previous planning permissions for your property might have included conditions that remove or restrict certain PD rights
• Property Designations: If your property is listed or in a designated area (Conservation Area, National Park, AONB), some PD rights are automatically restricted

You can check with your local planning authority to find out if your property has any restrictions on Permitted Development Rights.

Yes, Permitted Development only exempts you from planning permission. You will still need Building Regulations approval for most structural work, including:

• Extensions and loft conversions
• Internal structural alterations
• New or altered electrical and plumbing work
• New or altered windows and doors
• Changes affecting fire safety, ventilation, or insulation

Building Regulations ensure your development meets safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility standards. You can apply for Building Regulations approval through your local authority or an approved inspector.

Yes, if your local planning authority refuses your Lawful Development Certificate application or issues an enforcement notice claiming your development doesn't qualify as Permitted Development, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

You generally have 6 months to appeal a refused LDC and 28 days to appeal an enforcement notice. The appeal process is independent of the local authority and will assess whether your development truly meets PD criteria.

Before appealing, carefully check the specific PD limitations that apply to your property and consider seeking professional advice from a planning consultant.