Business and homeworking

Planning permission is usually required for the change of use of a building or land. 

Permission may not be required for home-working if the business use does not cause a significant change in the use of the premises, and the building’s prime use remains as a dwelling house.

For example:

• the use of a single room in a dwelling house as an office or for child-minding or a play group.
• the use of a small part of a house as a bed-sit or for bed and breakfast 

Should a business or non-residential use become a significant part of the buildings function, for example if there is growth and intensification of the business which results in an increase in:

• visitors
• traffic
• noise
• fumes

Over and above what would normally be expected from the building’s use as a private dwelling, then there may be a need for planning permission.

The Council will determine whether planning permission is required in such cases.

For more information please see our permitted development pages.