Depending on the work you're doing you might need to get planning permission or building regulation approval, or both.
If you go ahead without permission or approval, you might end up having to put things back to how they were. The owner of the property or land is responsible for meeting the relevant planning rules and building regulations. This is the case with all building work.
Are you unsure about the differences between Planning Permission and Building Regulations Consent? If so, the Planning Portal have prepared the following guide that explains:
What is the difference between Building Regulations and Planning Permission?
Information regarding building regulations can be found:
Do I need building regulations?
The following guidance can help you assess whether you need Planning Permission.
Permitted Development Rights
You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without applying for Planning Permission. This is called "permitted development"
The Planning Portal has an interactive guide. This provides guidance on whether the works you are proposing fall within “permitted development”:
Planning Portal Permitted Development GuidanceYou can find information on permitted developments that need prior approval at: Planning Portal - prior approvals
You can also view the complete permitted development legislation online. This is the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015).
In some cases, some of the permitted development rights may have been removed by condition or the issuing of an Article 4 direction. This will mean that a planning application will need to be submitted for works when it normally wouldn't be required. For further information, please see our permitted development web page.
Planning Portal
The Planning Portal website provides up-to-date information. This shows work that can be carried out with and without planning permission.
This information is provided in an interactive guide: Do you need permission?
The Planning Portal also provides planning and building regulation guidance for many common building work projects for the home.
Checking Service
If, after using the above links and guidance, you:
- feel that Planning Permission is not required for your proposed works, but
- would like confirmation of this through an informal response
You may wish to use one of our below services:
Do I need enquiry/do I need checking service
This informal advice service answers the question ‘do I need planning permission?’ The advice is provided within 20 working days once all the information has been provided.
To request this service, the form below must be completed which includes sketch location plans, signed privacy notice/acknowledgement the notice has been read and understood and a fee.
Do I need enquiry/do I need checking service
Pre-application Advice
This informal advice service provides advice on what development would be supported. Further details about this service can be found by visiting our dedicated pre-application advice page. The advice is provided within 30 working days once all the information has been provided.
Lawful Development Certificates
A lawful development certificate (existing) answers the question is an existing development lawful/did it need planning permission at the time of development?
A lawful development certificate (proposed) answers the question is what I propose to do lawful i.e. do I need permission?
Once considered a formal lawful development certificate may be issued.
This formal process takes up to 8 weeks from when the submission becomes valid.
What is required for a valid submission is set out in the Cornwall Council Validation Guide.
More information can be found on our dedicated Lawful Development Certificates page:
Lawful development Certificates
Change the access to my property - Dropped kerb/altered access permission
Are you creating a new vehicle access or off-road parking space? If so, you may need to apply for Planning Permission. This depends on the location and category of road.
The planning permission checklist sets out when you will or will not require planning permission or related consent(s) for such works.
If you have completed the checklist and you don't think planning permission is required but wish to have a formal determination. You can make a 'do I need planning enquiry' or submit an application for a Lawful Development Certificate.
You should apply for a vehicle crossover licence:
- when planning permission has been approved, or
- you have confirmation that planning is not required
This will give you permission to cross the footway with a vehicle. There is a fee for the licence.
Apply for a Vehicle Crossover Licence
Solar Panels
Solar panels and equipment installed on domestic buildings and land are usually considered permitted development. Meaning that planning permission is not required. But there are a few exceptions. Please visit the Solar panels and planning permission web page for further information including our Residential Solar Best Practice guidance.
Air Source Heat Pumps
The permitted development right of Class G allows you to install, alter or replace an air source heat pump on a residential property. This is subject to a number of limits and conditions. Please visit the Air source heat pumps and planning webpage for further information, including:
- limits and conditions
- legislation and further guidance
- property designations
- noise
Civil Ceremonies
Please see our new dedicated web page for guidance
civil ceremonies and wedding venue guidance.
Accredited Agents
Applicants may also consider contacting an agent to obtain advice. For householder or tree applications Cornwall have a list of accredited agents.
Planning and Building Control for businesses
For more information and guidance on how to start a new business, or how to expand an existing business. Please see the Planning Portal.
The following links may also be of use:-
The Council works in partnership with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Council also works with business support agencies across Cornwall. This ensures that information, advice and guidance is available to help your business when you need it. You can visit our business support and advice page for further information.