Parliament has given the main responsibility for planning to local planning authorities (usually, this is the planning department of your local council). Therefore, if you have any queries about a particular case, the first thing to do is to contact your local planning authority. You may also be able to find out more about planning law in your local library.

If you are concerned about a legal problem involving planning, the local Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor may be able to help.

It is your responsibility for seeking, or not seeking, planning permission. If required, planning permission should be granted before any work begins.

Further information on your responsibilities and planning permission:

• Lawful Development Certificates
• Failure to comply 
• Permitted Development 
• Factors affecting permission 

Other relevant information:

• Main planning homepage
• Learn how to make a planning application
• Appeals