Find out if you need planning permission

Which types of developments or building work require planning permission

Not all developments and work require planning permission as they are covered by what is known as permitted development. Find out about permitted development on the Planning Portal.

You can use the Planning Portal website to find information that will help you decide if you need planning permission:

• Interactive house on the Planning Portal 
• Common projects on the Planning Portal
• Commercial or residential developments on the Planning Portal
• Installing solar panels on the Planning Portal       

Restrictive conditions on your property

Sometimes, a restrictive condition on a property may mean you need to get planning permission even when it may be permitted development. You can check the planning history by viewing applications on our website.

If the planning history is prior to 1998, the application is on our microfiche records. We are currently having our microfiche records electronically scanned. If you need to view these, email planning.enquiries@wokingham.gov.uk with the application reference and we will look to return the information to you within 5 working days.

Confirmation that planning permission isn't needed

If you consider your work to be permitted development or that it doesn't need permission you should apply for a certificate of lawfulness on the Planning Portal.

It's not compulsory to have a certificate of lawfulness but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes.

If you're in any doubt you should apply for one.

Architects and planning agents

If you do require planning permission, as the planning process can be complex, we recommend you get an architect or planning agent to help you. 

You can find a list of architects and planning agents below:

• The architects register
• The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) directory of planning consultants