The Department for Communities and Local Government, the Small Business Council and the Planning Portal have worked together to create this guide for business to:

• Help provide a basic guide to the procedures of the planning system
• Explain how to apply for planning permission
• Provide links for further information

Please note: this is an introductory guide to planning and is not a definitive source of legal information. If you are in any doubt you should contact your local planning authority before undertaking any work or changes to premises.