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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
  3. What to do next
  4. Start your building work

What to do next

Start your building work
  1. Your options
  2. Start your building work
  3. Lawful development certificate
  4. Planning application
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Start your building work

In most cases it should be possible to make a clear decision on whether your project is permitted or not. Remember, your proposal must pass all the tests necessary to be classed as permitted development. It is useful to tick off the limits and conditions as you work through them.

You should check with your local planning authority whether permitted development rights have been withdrawn by what are known as article 4 directions1, and whether other consents, such as listed building consent2, are needed. Remember also that many projects will be subject to the building control regime, whether or not planning permission is required.

If your project passes the permitted development tests you do not need to apply for planning permission and you may decide to go ahead with your project. Before starting work we strongly advise that you seek guidance from your local planning authority and building control body, and to seek professional advice where appropriate.

Read important information about your responsibilities before starting work3.

Find your local planning authority (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)

Find your local planning authority

Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories to find a planning or building professional to help with your project or development.

Find a professional (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional)

Find a professional


Useful links

Make an application (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app/applications)

Make an application

Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)

Speak to an expert

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator)

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator

Sell your site with Land Match (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/commercial-developments/sell-your-site)

Sell your site with Land Match
    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities/planning-permission/permitted-development-rights
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities/other-permissions-you-may-require/does-my-project-require-additional-consents
    3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities


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      The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.

      The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.