Many householder-type developments don't need planning permission.
The best way to check is to use the Planning Portal's website. Their Interactive House is particularly useful for homeowners doing work on their properties. You can hover over each section in the house to see the planning information you need.
Check if you need planning permission
The Planning Portal also provides information on Permitted Development Rights - which are the things you can do without planning permission.
Article 4 areas
Some areas of Allerdale are designated Article 4 areas. This means that there are extra planning restrictions, meaning that works usually covered by "permitted development" do require you to apply for planning permission.
While not necessarily covered by Article 4 directions, many residential barn conversions and rural workers' dwellings also have their permitted development rights restricted as a result of a condition of the conversion permission. This should be checked prior to carrying out development on such dwellings.
We only provide planning permission for properties outside of the Lake District National Park boundary. If your property is within the boundary, you need to apply to the Lake District National Park Authority.
Certificate of lawfulness
It is not always clear cut whether you need planning permission or not.
If you would prefer the council's formal decision on these details then you can apply to us for a Certificate of Lawfulness.
Find out more about the certificate of lawfulness from the Planning Portal website.
Apply for a certificate of lawfulness through the Planning Portal.
Apply for planning permission
If you do need planning permission:
Even if you don't need planning permission for your work, you may have to ensure it complies with the building regulations.