Not all developments need planning permission. To check if you need planning permission, visit:
- Planning permission – GOV.UK
- Do you need planning permission – Planning Portal
- Permission for home improvement projects – Planning Portal.
- Interactive House – Planning Portal
- Planning Portal Use Classes – Planning Portal
- When permission is not required for Use Change – Planning Portal
You can also get pre-application planning advice. There’s a fee for this.
When preparing to make a planning application, we strongly recommend signing up to Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) for major or complex schemes to assist project management of the relevant site or scheme.
Building regulations approval
Building regulations are a separate requirement to planning permission – Planning portal. Many projects require approval for both.
If you plan to demolish a building, you may need planning permission.
Permitted development and restrictions
Some projects don’t need planning permission under permitted development rights. Find out more about permitted development for household extensions.
But there may be restrictions on your property or land, such as planning policy for conservation and heritage.
You need permission before undertaking any work on a tree that is either subject to a Tree Preservation Order, or in a conservation area. Find out more about tree works and tree preservation order.
To check about these restrictions, you can get pre-application planning advice.
Planning permission for HMO
If you’re planning to convert your property to a house in multiple occupancy (HMO), or build an extension to an existing one, read the HMO planning permission and licensing requirements before making an application.
Please note: we can’t give pre-application advice on whether your application will be supported, as there may be changes of use in the surrounding buildings in the meantime and affect planning decisions.
Planning policy
View all the planning policy to see if it’s relevant to your project.
If you’re considering developing a potentially contaminated site, follow our planning guidance on developing contaminated land.
Contact us
Contact us at planningpreapp@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Planning and Economic Growth
Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2AU