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    Planning advice for householders

    If you are a householder wanting to make house alterations for the first time, navigating the planning process can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we've broken down the planning process into steps so that you know whether the work you want to do requires planning permission and what advice is available from us before you apply.

    Before you apply

    If you need planning permission

    After you apply

     

    Before you apply, check if you need planning permission

    Before you start, you need to check whether the work you want to do needs planning permission. 

    • Our guidance service check if I need planning permission accessible through Plan X should help you work out if the work you want to do needs planning permission.
    • You may be able to carry out some minor works without requiring planning permission. These are called permitted development rights. Permitted developments have certain conditions and limits that apply to them.
    • If you are satisfied that the works you are planning fall within permitted development and no other consents are required, then you can start work. If you would like formal confirmation you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. This is a legally binding document which may be required if you come to sell your property in the future.  

    Restrictions 

    Restrictions could prevent permitted development works at certain properties. These can include:  

    • Article 4 directions 

    • conservation areas 

    • listed buildings 

    In some cases permitted development rights may be removed. This means you will have to submit a planning application for work which normally does not need one. To check whether any restrictions apply to your property email planning@gateshead.gov.uk. 

    If restrictions apply, get permitted development advice

    If you're still unsure, we offer a service that can help. Our do I need planning permission advice service can tell you if you need to get planning permission. There is a small fee for this service.

    The Planning Portal can help assess whether your proposed works need planning permission. Their useful information includes:

    • Interactive property guides Help with planning and building rules for various house types. Plus mini guides for conservatories, extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings and porches.
    • Common projects Details planning and building rules and permitted development limits for over 50 common projects. Includes extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings to kitchens, windows and fences.
    • Home improvement Advice and interactive guides to steer and support your project from planning to completion. From replacing a window or adding an outbuilding to embarking on a self-built home project.
    • Your responsibilities Guidance on the necessary permissions and considerations before you start work.
    • Glossary of planning terms Useful terms to help you navigate the Planning Portal.

    The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government offers permitted development technical guidance.

    Prior approval 

    Certain rear extensions need prior approval before starting work. You can find details of these on the Planning Portal. 

    If you do need planning permission

    • Get pre-application planning advice
      If you do discover that you need planning permission, we recommend you use our will I get planning permission advice service. This can help you find out if you are likely to get permission before you apply. We advise you do this to help ensure your application is complete and accurate first time. There is a small fee for this service.

    • Check that your design meets our design standards
      We have created detailed design guidance on alterations and extensions to encourage good design and consistency in planning applications. Before you apply for planning permission we recommend you read the householder alterations and extensions SPD guidance.

    • Apply for planning permission
      If you are ready, you should apply for planning permission using the online Planning Portal. 


    Depending on what work you are doing you might also need building regulations approval for proposed alterations and development. You can get further advice about the differences between planning and building control on the Planning Portal.

    After you apply

    Timescales and decision 

    • our formal decision will be stated on a decision notice/letter normally within 8 weeks of submission 
    • the decision notice/letter will list the approved documents (if applicable) 
    • the decision notice/letter will explain why the application was refused (if applicable) 
    • a copy of the decision notice will be emailed to the applicant 

    What to do after a planning decision

    After a planning decision has been made there may be other conditions attached to our decision. Find out more about discharging planning conditions, other consents for planning permission and non-material amendments.  See what to do after a planning decision.

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    House alterations or extensions