Do you need planning permission?
In most cases, yes. If you are building a new home on a plot of land, you will need planning permission from your local planning authority (LPA) before you can start work. In England, applications are submitted via the Planning Portal.
There are some exceptions, notably certain types of conversion and permitted development (see below), but for a straightforward new build, planning permission is a prerequisite.
Planning decisions are made by your local authority against a framework of national and local policy. The key national document in England is the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF); in Wales, this is Planning Policy Wales; Scotland has the National Planning Framework. Local authorities also produce their own Local Plans, which set out where development is and is not supported in their area.
Planning is decided locally. Even similar applications can get very different outcomes in different local authority areas. Getting to know your LPA’s policies and priorities before you apply can make a significant difference to the outcome.
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