Maintaining agricultural structures

You do not need to apply for planning permission:

• for repairs or maintenance;
  
• for minor improvements, such as painting your premises or replacing windows;
  
• for internal alterations;
  
• for the insertion of windows, skylights or roof lights (but, if you want to create a new bay window, it will be treated as an extension);
  
• for the installation of solar panels which, in the council's view, do not project significantly beyond the roof slope; and
  
• to re-roof your premises (but additions to the roof are treated as extensions).

Occasionally, you may need to apply for planning permission for some of these works because your council has made an Article 4 Direction withdrawing permitted development rights.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external . You also may need planning permission to alter, repair or maintain a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.

If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Broads, you will need to apply for planning permission before cladding the outside of your house with stone, tiles, artificial stone, plastic or timber.