You can make certain minor changes to your home without planning permission. You have 'permitted development rights' to fit an alarm or build walls and fences below a certain height.
Under permitted development rights, you don't need planning permission for certain works. But these works must meet certain conditions. For example, there are dimension restrictions when building an extension
To check minor work is under permitted development rights, contact the council planning office for your area. The Planning Portal identifies improvement work or changes homeowners can do without planning permission.
If you live in a designated area, your permitted development rights are restricted. You'll need to apply for planning permission to make changes or do certain works:
You can apply for planning permission yourself or employ an agent to do it for you. Your planning application must include a fee and a location map showing the site you want to develop.
If you think you need to apply for planning permission, contact your council’s local planning office. They'll tell you if you need planning permission.
They can:
- give you an application form
- tell you material to include with your application such as drawings
- confirm planning application fee
Ask if they foresee any problems which could be overcome by amending your proposal.
In most cases, you'll need to make a full application for planning permission to develop or build on land or a site. Your application must include:
- an accurate, current site map
- professional drawings
- a fee
When applying for planning permission, you must include four copies of an Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) map showing the boundary of the application site in red.
You must use an accurate, current OSNI map to scale not less than 1:2500.
You can buy suitable maps online from OSNI:
You need to provide plans and drawings to scale, showing the proposed development. The application form explains what you need to include for the development you want.
The council should decide on your application within eight weeks. It can take longer to decide large or complex applications. The planning office can tell you about their timetable for planning applications.
If your application is not determined within eight weeks, you can appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission.
If you're applying for planning permission, you don't need to employ an agent or planning consultant. If you are unfamiliar with the planning process, an agent or planning consultant can explain how they can help.
To search for local planning consultants in Northern Ireland, go to:
You can make an outline application without detailed drawings, to see what the council thinks of proposed building work.
Outline permission only establishes the principle of development. You cannot build or develop the site.
Community Places provides free, independent advice and information on planning issues for community groups and individuals who cannot afford to employ a consultant.
Typical issues the advice covers include:
- how to get information about planning proposals
- understanding planning proposals
- making objections to proposals
- how decisions are made
- the complaints and appeals procedures
Community Places also publishes guides to the planning system and to objecting to planning proposals.