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Householder planning application guidance

If you are thinking of extending your house, or building within your garden, the guidance below will tell you whether or not you need planning permission for the works you want to do.

Housing Blackburn

Your house or flat has permitted development rights (opens new window), which means that some minor works don't need planning permission.

We have produced design guidance (PDF, 251 KB)(opens new window) which you will find useful whether or not the work needs planning permission. The council supports good neighbour relations, and we would strongly suggest that you discuss any alterations or extensions you're thinking of with your immediate neighbours at an early stage, whether planning permission is required or not. This will help to ensure that your proposal doesn't affect your neighbours' amenity, and should help to avoid problems at a later stage.     

Follow the links below relating to your proposal to find whether the work is permitted development or planning permission is required. More information can be found on the Scottish Government's website (opens new window), which has flowcharts (opens new window) that you might find useful.  

The addition of a ground floor extension to your house - a sun room, conservatory, garage, car port - might not need planning permission
Not all extensions require planning permission; whether or not the works you propose does will depend on its size and location. Most two storey extensions are likely to require planning permission, and because of their potential to overshadow your neighbours must be carefully designed.
Not all extensions require planning permission; whether or not the porch you propose does will depend on its size and location.
Your dormer extension might not require planning permission; whether or not it does will depend on its size and location.
Not all extensions require planning permission; whether or not the works you propose does will depend on its size and location.
Solar panels, photovoltaic equipment, window replacements, flues, satellite dishes, rooflights
Not all works require planning permission; whether or not the development you propose does will depend on its size and location.
Find out if you need planning permission for oil and gas tanks, flagpoles and swimming pools.
The laying down or replacement of a hard surface related to the house, which is not raised. Typical examples might include a driveway or patio.
The construction, maintenance or alteration of any deck or other raised platform.
The erection, replacement or improvement of a gate, fence or wall round your property.
Alterations such as rooflights, replacement windows and doors, satellite dishes, cladding, painting and flue, solar photovoltaic or thermal equipment might not need planning permission, depending on their size.
Planning permission will not be required if you set up a home office which simply involves a phone and computer, no employees or customers arriving at the house, and no deliveries and uplifts of goods.