In this section
Check if you need planning permission
Before you apply for planning permission in Watford, you need to check what permission you need - and see if there are any conditions specific to your property.
You can check if your work needs planning permission on the Planning Portal website.
See if you need planning permission
Validation checklist (local list)
Before submitting your planning application, please use our validation checklist (local list) to make sure you have everything you need. This will help you avoid delays!
Validation checklist (local list)
Major or complex applications - applicant checklist
For larger or major developments, please use our applicant checklist.
Permitted development
Certain common home improvement projects doesn't need planning permission.
This is called permitted development.
You can find a complete guide to permitted developments on the Planning Portal website
If your project is permitted development:
- you need to get building regulations for your permitted development
- you can apply for a lawful development certificate This confirms the work you've done is lawful and shows future buyers that developments are safe and officially approved.
Conservation areas and listed buildings
If you live in a conservation area or the property is a listed building, you may need to apply for planning permission - even if it's permitted development.
Find if your property is in a conservation area
Find if your property is a listed building
Article 4 directions
An Article 4 direction means that normal permitted development rights have been removed from a building or area.
You may need to apply for planning permission if an Article 4 direction is applied to a property
Find if a property has an Article 4 direction
Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
National legislation made BNG mandatory on applications for major developments made on or after 12 February 2024 and for minor (small site) developments on 2 April 2024. This means all major and minor developments, with some exceptions, are now required to provide a BNG of 10%.
All applicants applying for planning permission will now be required to set out whether they believe their development is (or is not) subject to BNG. If they believe that the proposal is not subject to BNG, they must set out the reasons why. The application form has a section for this statement.
Get professional advice
You can save time and get planning application support with professional advice from Watford Borough Council
