Permitted development comes with limits. Check the complete rules for your project, your property and your country.
What the phrase actually means
In England, permitted development is planning permission granted through national rules for specified types of work. You do not make a full planning application if the proposal meets the applicable requirements. Some rights still require an application for prior approval.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own permitted development rules. Use the country links below before relying on advice about a particular project.
Common projects worth checking
Extensions, roof alterations, outbuildings and changes to the outside of a home all need a project-specific check. Make a note of height, size, position, intended use and any earlier alterations. Use the relevant national guide to find the complete limits; a single dimension does not tell the whole story.
For Wales, the householder guidance includes separate rules for different forms of extension. Scotland’s official directory lets you look up the kind of work you are considering.
Prior approval and a lawful development certificate
England: prior approval is a required step for certain permitted development rights. Check whether it applies before work begins; it is not something to obtain retrospectively.
A lawful development certificate serves a different purpose: it confirms planning lawfulness for the work described. It does not replace building regulations or listed building requirements. Ask the authority which route is appropriate.
Your next steps.
A quick checklist to keep your project moving.
- Use guidance for the correct UK country.
- Check all the conditions for your project type.
- Check whether rights have been restricted at the property.
- Confirm whether prior approval is required.
- Keep the relevant plans and written confirmation.
Sources & further reading
Checked 28 September 2026. Each source’s country is shown below.
- Planning Portal: permitted development rights ↗England
- mygov.scot: permitted development projects ↗Scotland
- Welsh Government: householder permitted development ↗Wales
- nidirect: when to apply for planning permission ↗Northern Ireland
- Planning Portal: prior approval ↗England
- GOV.UK: lawful development certificates ↗England