FAQs about planning permission
This section contains frequently asked questions about planning permission and making a planning application.
The following is only general advice - always check with the Council before committing yourself to any form of development
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
Within certain limits, many house extensions do not need planning permission - refer to the Government leaflet 'Planning - A guide for householders' available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office (The Stationery Office Ltd. - telephone order line 0870 600 5522 or fax order line 0870 600 5533) or see the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website.
For specific advice on making a householder application, see the householder planning section.
Do I need planning permission to convert a house into flats?
Yes, but hardly ever to create a house from flats.
Do I need planning permission for gates, fences or walls?
Generally speaking, if they adjoin a road and would be over one metre high, yes. Otherwise only if they would be over two metres high.
For more information refer to the Government leaflet 'Planning - A guide for householders' available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office (The Stationery Office Ltd. - telephone order line 0870 600 5522 or fax order line 0870 600 5533) or see the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website.
Do I need planning permission to work from home?
Provided you do not employ anyone else there and you do not have significant deliveries or visitors, probably not.
Do I need planning permission to change a shop to a restaurant or takeaway?
Yes, and permission may not be granted. It will often depend on how local shopping facilities would be affected.
How do I make a planning application?
For some general advice before you start, see our section Before You Make a Planning Application.
Once you are ready, you can make an application using the forms available on this website.
See our section Forms to Apply for Planning Permission.
Is it difficult to get planning permission?
No - over 90% of applications are approved (locally and nationally). However, some forms of development, for example new housing in the green belt, are hardly ever acceptable.
Can I appeal against a planning decision?
If you are the applicant you can appeal against a refusal or against any condition of approval. The law does not give a right of appeal to anybody else. See our section on appealing against a planning decision.
How do you view and comment on a planning application?
You can use the website's Planning Application Search facility. Find the application in question by filling in the location or planning application reference number and you have a wide range of options including commenting on the application.
Can I see officer committee reports for planning applications?
Planning Committee Agendas are published in the Council Meetings - Agendas and Minutes section one week prior to the meeting. Officer reports for applications to be considered by the Planning Committee can be viewed in this section.
Are there any different requirements for new houses or flats in Horley?
Yes, there is a policy on infrastructure contributions which applies to all residential developments in Horley.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
customer.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
See Also
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is not responsible for the content of external sites.
