Planning for Business
Businesses are often confused by the various planning regulations that affect them. Use of buildings, the display of advertisments and the appearence of buildings, especially those which are Listed Buildings or lie within a Conservation Area, are all covered by regulations. This page provides links to useful advice and contact details for staff at the council who will be able to assist.
Operating a business or working from home
Operating a business from home does not always require planning permission provided that there is no change to overall character of the dwelling and it remains primarily in residential use.
Uses that affect the character of a residential area, for example activities that generate a significant amount of deliveries or visitors, creates noise, vibration, dust or smells or involves storage of large volumes of materials, vehicles or machinery are likely to require permission.
You are advised to Contact Us to discuss your plans if you are in any doubt.
Further guidance is available from Planning Portal - Working from home
Signs and Advertisements
Comprehensive guidance on the regulations for signs and advertisments is available in Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers, published by Communities and Local Government.
Download Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers
Further information is available from Planning Portal - Signs and adverts
Circular 03/07 - This circular gives an outline of the revised system of advertisement control and includes relevant advice about advertisement applications to local planning authorities, appeals to the Secretary of State and how to deal with unauthorised advertisements.
Changes of Use
Planning legislation groups land and buildings into a number of use classes. Certain changes of use are permitted, for example changing use from a restaurant to a shop, without requiring planning permission. Any change of use class that is not permitted would require a planning application.
View the list of Use Classes
View the list of permitted changes of use
Planning Portal - Change of use information
Extending or altering business premesis
Factories and warehouses have some limited permitted development rights which allow for extensions to be built without requiring planning permission in certain circumstances.
Other business premesis, including shops will usually require planning permission for any changes to the appearance of the building, for example new shop fronts. The Government is currently investigating expanding the permitted development rights for businesses.
Planning Portal - Altering or extending business premesis
Professional advice for businesses
Larger businesses are likely to require specialist professional advice when considering a proposal for new premesis or major alterations to an existing site. Engaging an appropriate professional to advise you may save you time and money in the long run.
The council cannot reccomend specific consultants, but below are some links to professional bodies who may be able to assist you.
Royal Town Planning Institute - Directory of Consultants
Royal Institute of British Architects - Find an Architect