Planning permission

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. You need to check there are no specific restrictions which may have been imposed as part of a previous permission.

Find out more information on permitted development

Basingstoke Town, Fairfields, Brookvale and South View conservation areas are covered by Article 4 directions. In these areas you may need planning permission for replacing windows and doors, and for external painting. For more information on Article 4 directions visit our conservation areas webpage or you can view individual conservation area maps.

Find out if you need planning permission by submitting a planning application (section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) for a proposed use of buildings or other land or other operations proposed to be carried out for half the equivalent fee. Please see our fees for planning applications .

Our Duty Planning Service is available if your permitted development query relates to householder or small business enquiries only.

Book a duty planning appointment

If you know that you will need planning permission, view the webpage 'before making a planning application' for further information.

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. Contact the Planning Development Team in writing to confirm whether or not you need to submit an application. They can also advise on your chances of getting permission. Read before you make a planning application for further information.

Most alterations to business premises do need permission, including:

  • all shop and office extensions
  • alterations to shop fronts
  • external security shutters or grilles

Read the government's publication Planning permission: a guide for business for more information.

The Borough Business Partnership may also be able to help.

Running a business from home

Read our guide on running a business from home for more information. (PDF) [149kb]

Applications to purchase areas of amenity open space

Take a look at our webpage on applications to purchase areas of amenity open space

Renewable energy

Renewable energy comes from resources such as the sun, wind, water and plant material.

There are many technologies which can harness these resources to provide hot water and electricity. These include:

  • solar photovoltaic panels
  • solar water heating
  • ground source heat pumps
  • biomass stoves or boilers
  • wind turbines

The installation of small scale microgeneration equipment can be permitted development. The Planning Portal provides advice on what can be installed without planning permission.

For further information, please visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

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.

Information on agricultural operations can be found through the government's Planning Practice Guidance (PDF) [75kb]

Outdoor advertisements and signs

Find out more information on outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers. This information explains to anyone who wants to display an outdoor advertisement how advertisement control works in England. This guide now takes account of the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements)(England) Regulations 2007.

Planning Portal

View the Planning Portal website for more information on planning. The website is intended for both householders and business people. It explains why planning controls are necessary and how decisions are made. You may also require Building Regulation approval – please contact the Building Control Team on 01256 845237 or email building.control@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) came into effect from 25 June 2018 and is payable on relevant planning permissions granted from this date. Please visit our CIL webpages for further information .

Contact details

Planning Development Team

If you have a planning enquiry, send a message to the Planning Development Team

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