BANES council has a department which handles all aspects of planning permission, building control and listed building consent. The department is based in Trim street, and you can drop in for an informal chat about any proposed plans for building work you may have. There is information available in booklets and on their website which explains whether planning or building regulations apply, and what the procedure is. If you live in a tree conservation area (and much of Bath is), then you will also require their permission for any pruning or removal of trees if their trunk is wider than your wrist.

Planning Permission

The purpose of planning permission is to preserve the character of the City and ensure that the right type of developments occur in the right place at the right time. This includes changing the use of a building (say from residential to office or shop) as well as construction work. There is a good outline of whether planning permission may apply here .

Broadly speaking, you may be able to expand the size of your house by 15% without planning permission. This makes it feasible to build a conservatory, kitchen extension or front porch. If you are unsure whether it is required, contact the planning department at BANES council for some informal advice, taking along photographs and ideally some sketch plans of what you are considering.

If you do need to apply, you must submit a form with detailed plans and the appropriate fee. You can download the application forms from BANES council planning department website . The council is required to make a judgement within 8 weeks, otherwise you can appeal on the grounds of non-determination to the Planning Appeals office. Usually, its better to contact the planning team directly and establish the position. You may be able to discuss and revise plans which can be agreed with the planning officers rather than go to appeal.

Should the decision go against you, you can appeal against it directly to a Planning Inspector from the Home Office. This is not a "quick fix" and may take some months to progress. The Inspectors decision is final.

Your architect or builder may arrange planning permission for you as part of a larger project. It is your responsibility to ensure you have this permission before you start the work. If it later transpires that planning permission was required, then you may have to apply retrospectively. In the worst case, you may be required to restore the building to its original situation.

You may also be informed about planning applications for properties in your neighbourhood - usually you are sent a letter by post if you live close by. You can view the proposed plans at the Trim Street offices, but also view any current application and make your views known through the council's planning access website.