Development Control Frequently Asked Questions

Planning permission is the consent of the Council as Local Planning Authority to carry out development of land or buildings. One of the Council's major planning responsibilities is that of controlling development within the policies of the Government. Most development requires planning permission from the Council before it can be carried out and applications for permission are considered by the Development Control Service. The definition of development is wide ranging and includes:

• changing the use of land and/or buildings
• construction or alteration of building
• most other construction and engineering works

In practice not all development requires a planning application to be made but most development does require approval. If you have any doubt as to whether permission is needed, please contact the Development Control Service to enquire.