Pre-application planning advice

Do I need planning permission?

Generally, any development will require planning permission - under Planning Law "development" is defined as: "the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land".

Some minor extension works to a property may not require permission due to permitted development rights

If you are unsure whether your proposal constitutes development or whether it is permitted development please contact us before you start any works. Unauthorised development could lead to enforcement action.

Interactive guides on the Planning Portal help you explore how to progress common householder development projects

To find out if planning permission is required for your development please complete the "Do I need planning permission?" form, available in the resources box. There is no charge for this request.

If, however, you require a formal decision on such a question you should make an application for a Lawful Development Certificate

Under the Planning Acts, there are over 15 different types of application. If you are unsure which application you need to submit please contact us for advice.

Pre-application advice service

We believe that pre-application discussions are of significant benefit to the planning application process.

We can provide you with the best possible objective advice and information on all aspects of the planning process. This advice will outline whether your proposal is likely to gain planning permission, what the key issues are and what you would need to submit with your application.

We have, from 1 June 2011, decided to charge for this service in order to ensure that we can continue to offer a high quality service, as well as recovering the cost from the service user. This will be a fairer service for all residents of Herefordshire.

The procedure and charges are explained in the guidance note in the resources box. Please complete the pre-planning application advice request form to apply for this service.

Completed requests should be sent to:

Herefordshire Council
Planning Services
PO Box 230
Hereford
HR1 2ZB