The term 'householder' applies to development:
to an existing dwellinghouse, or
within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse and
for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse;
It does not include:
an application for change of use or
an application to change the number of dwellings in a building.
Flats
This page provides guidance for homeowners when considering householder development.
General advice
For general advice on the planning process, our homeowner's guide to the planning process is a great place to start.
A homeowner's guide to the planning process
The constraints on a site are also an important factor to consider early on in the process. Constraints can affect:
If planning permission is required
Validation requirements with an application
Costs and design of development
Consideration of timescales
Our constraint checking tool can help identify constraints on your property.
Annexes
Annexes are a common householder development however not all are Householder applications. Please view Cornwall Council’s annex guidance for information.
Do I need planning permission?
You can make some changes to your house without planning permission. This called is "permitted development".
Find out about permitted development
Cornwall Council have produced some development specific guidance. This includes:
Change in access to a property including dropped kerbs
Solar panels
Air source heat pumps
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points
Demolition of buildings or structures
This can be found on our do I need planning permission web page.
The Planning Portal also has a tool for householder permitted development rights. The interactive guide gives information about household projects.
Please note the Planning Portal is an external company and not part of Cornwall Council. Advice provided on their website or via an advice service is not provided by a member of the Cornwall Council Planning Department.
Homeowners can ask the Council for an informal response if planning permission is required. Visit our dedicated do I need planning permission page for information on this checking service.
For a formal response a lawful development certificate will be required.
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?
This is a formal process and a valid request will need to be submitted. You can find out what is required in the Cornwall Council Validation Guide.
Building Control
As well as planning permission, homeowners must also consider if building control is required.
Building Regulations apply to most building work. Building Control ensures the health safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. It also ensures the conservation of fuel and power. It is important to find out if you need permission.
Visit the do I need building control page for further advice and guidance.
Ecology considerations
Advice for work on eaves and roofs
Householders and contractors must ensure that:
bats and
wild birds
are not affected. Please seek advice if you are in any doubt.
Swifts swallows and house martins
Swifts, swallows and house martins are amongst the most endearing of British breeding birds. They are not resident here all year. They arrive in Britain in the spring to breed.
Cornwall Council has produced guidance for:
developers
builders
surveyors
architects and
householders.
Accommodating swallows, swifts and house martinsUseful advice and information can be found at: