Planning A Guide for Householders. What you need to know about the planning system

However, it is not an authoritative interpretation of the law.

The planning system plays an important role in modern society by helping to protect the environment in our towns and cities and in the countryside. Planning regulations have to cover many different situations and even the provisions which affect the average householder are quite detailed.

The general planning principles and the procedures for making a planning application described in this booklet apply equally to owners of houses and to freeholders or leaseholders of flats and maisonettes. However, the rules that say when you need to apply for planning permission will differ according to whether you own a house or a flat/maisonette.