Planning Advice
Advice about Residential and Commercial Development and Changes of Use
Residential Development:
New houses always need planning permission, including if you are replacing or subdividing an existing house.
Commercial Development:
Most alterations to a business (commercial) premises or site will usually need planning permission.
Changes of Use:
Some changes to the use of residential and commercial buildings may be carried out without planning permission as they are covered under permitted development. You may however still need to apply for Prior approval from us.
The different use classes are set out on the following link:
The changes of use allowed without planning permission (including those that require prior approval) are set out on the following link:
Pre-application Advice:
If you would like to request advice on your proposal please visit our pre-application page for further information.
Free Online Planning Advice
Please see links for advice offered by our partners:
- Suffolk County Council Highways Department
- Suffolk County Council Floods Department
- Standing Advice on Flood Risk Assessment
- Babergh and Mid Suffolk Heritage Team
- Suffolk County Council Archaeological Department pre-application advice
- Protected species advice
- MAGIC - For various designations, including ecological designations