This depends on what you want to do. Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, can often be carried out without the need for planning permission. This is known as 'permitted development'.
Further specific details about ‘permitted development’ can be found on the Planning Portal website.
However there are different and more stringent restrictions to Fairfields, Brookvale and South View Conservation Areas, which are covered by Article 4 directions.
If you are uncertain if planning permission is required, you should email the Council at development.control@basingstoke.gov.uk giving sufficient information on the development proposed.
Please follow the links to "Submit A Planning Application On-Line" if you know that you will require planning permission for your proposed works.
Change of Use and Business Developments
If you want to change the use of a building or land, you may need planning permission. There are developments which are 'permitted' and some which need permission.
Planning permission is not usually needed when both the existing and proposed new uses fall within the same 'Use Class'. It is also possible to change uses between some classes without making an application. It is advisable to contact the Development Control Team in writing to confirm whether or not you need to submit a planning application, and if so, your chances of getting permission.
Most alterations to business premises do need planning permission, including:
- all shop and office extensions
- alterations to shop fronts
- external security shutters or grilles
More information can be found through the Government's publication ' Planning Permission A Guide for Business'. Should you need planning permission then please see our web pages on 'Before you make a planning application' for further information. You may also want to contact the Council through the Local Business Partnership which helps business understand all regulatory systems that the Council operate.
Satellite Dishes
Satellite dishes are often difficult to locate in an acceptable position. The Satellite Locator will advise you if you need permission and give you an idea whether it would be granted permission in certain locations. Further guidance given in the Government's publication A Householder's Planning Guide for the Installation of Antennas including Satellite Dishes.
Please use this information as an indication of the need for planning permission and seek written confirmation from us before you install a satellite dish.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is derived from inexhaustible resources such as the sun, wind, water and plant material.
There are many renewable energy technologies available which can harness these resources, to provide hot water for heating and washing and also to provide electricity. These include solar photovoltaic panels, solar water heating, ground source heat pumps, biomass stoves or boilers and wind turbines.
The installation of small-scale microgeneration equipment can be made without planning permission. Please click here to find out more about this.
For further information and guidance please refer to http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/services/housing/homeenergy/renewable.htm
and The Energy Saving Trust.
Agricultural Proposals
Agricultural operations, or the use of existing buildings on agricultural land for agricultural purposes will not need planning permission. Permitted development exists for certain developments and you should seek advice from us before undertaking works.
More information can be found through the Government's publication 'A Farmer's Guide to the Planning System'.
Outdoor Advertisements and Signs
More information on the need for consent is available through the Communities and Local Government Booklet 'Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers'. This information is aimed at explaining to anyone who wants to display an outdoor advertisement how the system of advertisement control works in England. This guide has been revised to take account of the provisions of the Town and Country Planning(Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.
Planning Portal
Further helpful information on planning is provided by the Planning Portal. The guide is intended for both householders and business people. It explains, in general terms, why planning controls are necessary and how decisions are made.