Permitted development

Some work does not require planning permission. Guidance on rules that relate to permitted development are on the Planning Portal.

For further information on whether you will need planning permission, please read the permitted development rights for householders - technical guidance, which has been published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)

If you would like to formally clarify whether your proposal is permitted you can apply online via the Planning Portal for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use or development.

Article 4 Directions

The Local Planning Authority has the power to remove permitted development rights for a property or an area by issuing an Article 4 Direction. This means that works that may have been deemed permitted development will require planning permission.

Recently served Article 4 Directions are listed below.  In addition, 20 Article 4 Directions were made in 2019 on various office buildings in and around Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre. For details of these please contact planning@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.