Most new buildings or major changes to existing buildings need planning permission, but many smaller changes, particularly to houses, don't need planning permission.
Improvements such as extensions, conservatories and porches are often covered by something called permitted development. These are changes you are allowed to make without the need for planning permission.
Permitted development
Some alterations to your home often don't need planning permission, including:
- extensions,
- roof alterations and dormers,
- garages, and
- hard surfaces and decking.
As long as the work meets certain conditions and limits, these improvements can be done under permitted development.
But you may still need building regulation approval even if you don't need planning permission.
You can find out if what you are planning can be done under permitted development by using these interactive guides on the Planning Portal:
- Explore the interactive house to see the sort of improvements you can make to your home, flats and shops under permitted development.
Please note these features may not work on mobile devices but you can look at a list of common projects.
If you do need planning permission, you can apply online.
If you are unsure whether your development rights have been withdrawn, you can email planning@sandwell.gov.uk.
If you consider that your proposal does not need planning permission but would like to receive formal confirmation from the Council, you can make an application for a lawful development certificate.
It is important you are sure before you start any work as the council does have the power to take you to court if you breach planning rules.
If you need any further advice our Planning and Building Control Customer Service Advisors are available on:-
0121 569 4054. Please bear with us in case we are experiencing a high demand in calls.
You may also contact us on our generic email planning@sandwell.gov.uk which is monitored daily.