Planning Permission in Dorset and Somerset

Planning permission deals with the use of land, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment. Officers of the council's Town Planning services deal with planning applications and also listed buildings, conservation areas and tree preservation orders.

Most new buildings or major changes to existing buildings or to the local environment need consent - known as planning permission. Without a planning system everyone could construct buildings or use land in any way they wanted, no matter what effect this would have on other people who live and work in their area.

Your local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a development - anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre - should go ahead.

You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called "permitted development rights" and are described in this guide. They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.

If you are thing of:

• Building your own home
• Garage conversion
• Small single to large two storey extensions
• Loft conversion
• Conversion of existing dwelling or commercial buildings into flats

Property Design Solutions Ltd are here to help, please contact us for help and assistance.