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photo of Millennium Seedbank at Wakehurst
You need planning permission for most forms of development. Planning law defines 'development' as: "the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land".

Some small developments, however, such as a small extension to your house or a short term change in how you use your land, may not need a specific planning application. These changes may already be covered by general permission from the General Permitted Development Order 1995 and are called "permitted development". The 1987 Use Classes Order sets out when you can change the use of buildings or land without applying for planning permission. If you are not sure whether you need planning permission, then please talk to our Development Management staff: they will provide free advice.

Alternatively, please fill in and complete our pre-application enquiry e-form; we aim to respond within 10 working days and will give an informal opinion as to whether planning permission is required.

 Pre-application enquiry e-form 

The Statutory Instrument regarding Permitted Development (development that can be carried out without the need for planning permission) relevant to householders, may be viewed on the Office of Public Sector Information website:

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008

An Interactive House Guide is also available to view on the Planning Portal website:

Interactive House Guide

There are also free booklets to help you understand how the planning system works, for example:

Alternatively general advice regarding the planning application process and guidance on whether permission may be required is provided on the Planning Portal.

Planning permission - when is it needed? permission, planning, development control, conversion, loft conversion, building, extension, planning permission, satellite tv, advertisement, signs, planning charter

Downloads/Links

Planning Portal
Planning Portal - apply, appeal or find guidance online.

Submitting an application electronically? Please read our file size guidelines first.

 Pre-application enquiry e-form

Contacts

Development Management 
Planning Division
Mid Sussex District Council
Oaklands, Oaklands Road
Haywards Heath
RH16 1SS

Fax: 01444 477461
planninginfo@midsussex.gov.uk