Changing a planning permission

If you have an interest in the land that has been granted permission, there are procedures to follow when you want to make changes to a planning permission. You can apply to change your planning permission for non-material or minor material amendments. View the summary of the changes that are permitted.

You can only apply for these changes when your permission has not expired or a planning commencement has been made. You can only apply for a change that is not contrary to a condition of your permission (other than the condition relating to the timescale for implementing your permission). 

If the changes you want to make are more substantial, then you will need to submit a new application. 

If you paid a fee for the planning permission that you wish to alter, then you may not need to pay a fee for a further planning application, provided:
  • the changes do not alter the description
  • are for the same site
  • you were the previous applicant
  • the new application is submitted within 12 months of the date of the submission of the previous application.

Non-material amendment

These will usually relate to changes to:

  • the openings (windows and doors)
  • materials
  • internal alterations
  • fences and walls
  • layout of bin and cycle storage and parking spaces
  • minor changes to the design of a building.

You can apply using a standard form on the Planning Portal.

You can include more than one change on the same application.

The officer dealing with the matter will decide whether any change is non-material or minor material. There is no need to consult on these applications but in exceptional circumstances the case officer may decide that this is necessary. Applications will usually be dealt with in 28 days. You will be told in writing if your application has been approved or refused. A reason will be given in either case with a description of the changes. This procedure cannot be used in respect of listed buildings or conservation area consents.

These are changes that are very minor and do not materially alter the size and scale of the building, including its footprint, and would not alter the description of the development or the red edge area of the application. This process only applies to planning permissions and no other forms of planning consents. Changes need to:

  • non-material
  • acceptable
  • uncontroversial
  • be of very limited impact.

Minor material amendment

These are changes that are more significant than the non-material amendments described above. They are described as being changes whose scale and nature results in a development which is not substantially different from the one that has been approved. The changes will still need to be minor and may include changes to the building that result in small reductions to its scale, height or footprint but still not alter the description of the development or the red edged area of the application. Changes need to be wholly acceptable, uncontroversial and of limited impact. Slight increases to the footprint or scale of buildings may be acceptable under this process but only where there is no impact upon neighbouring properties.