Date: 01/10/2008
New planning regulations for household developments come into force across England today -- October 1, 2008.
The new rules govern the minor work that homeowners can undertake without the need for planning permission. These permitted developments may include house extensions, roof alterations, outbuildings, hard surfaces, chimney or soil and vent pipes, and microwave antenna.
The new regulations do not exempt domestic developments from planning control, but they simplify the rules and give householders more generous allowances over what can be built without planning permission. In particular, the new regulations allow for green developments, such as solar panels to be installed in certain locations.
The regulations are more restrictive in conservation areas, where some types of control are extended. Also, the building of certain types of driveways may require planning permission, if they lead to an increased risk of water run-off and flooding.
"These are new national planning regulations," said Linda Baldry, Executive Councillor for Planning. "And to make it easier for High Peak residents to follow the new rules, we are encouraging home owners to consult the interactive guide on our web site before they plan any work to their homes and driveways."
Visit the interactive guide (external website**) at the Planning Portal on www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html (external website**).
Homeowners can find out if they need planning permission by completing a Householder Planning Request form at www.highpeak.gov.uk/planning/requestform.pdf (73KB) 
or residents may request a form by contacting the Council's call centre on 0845 129 7777.
The new rules only apply to planning legislation, building regulations are not affected. Many types of home improvements require building regulation approval, including: replacement windows, re-plastering of walls, re-covering of roofs, drainage and electrical works.
Note: Details of the new legislation are contained within the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No.2) England) Order 2008. Permitted development for householders is development that can be undertaken without the need for a planning application to be submitted to the local planning authority.