Generally, planning permission is required for new building work and for the change of use to existing buildings or land. 

You may also require permission to carry out works to trees in certain circumstances.

Certain types of minor work affecting residential property and some changes of use do not require permission.

The rules are complex and tighter regulations apply in conservation areas and for listed buildings.

Solar Panels

The Council wants to increase renewable energy generation and understands that with high fuel prices and the negative effects of climate change, residents want to install solar panels on their homes to provide hot water or to generate electricity. In most cases they are not a problem but occasionally they harm the appearance of an area.

This note provides advice on installing solar panels lawfully by describing the type of installation that does not need planning permission on an existing building (ie, “permitted development”) and when you will need to obtain planning permission. In either case, visual appearance is an important consideration.

If you have any doubts about whether your proposal is lawful, even if the suppliers say that it is, please discuss the matter with the Council before proceeding.

Solar Panel Guidance Note for Domestic Installation - December 2011 (pdf - 279kb)

Front Gardens

From 1 October 2008, the permitted development rights that allow householders to pave their front garden with hardstanding without planning permission were changed.  This was to reduce the impact of this development on flooding and the pollution of watercourses. Details of when you will need planning permission can be found below:

Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens (pdf - 710kb)

Vehicle Crossovers or Dropped Kerbs

Guidance on applying for a vehicle crossover or dropped kerb can be found on Surrey County Council's website.

Do I need planning permission?

Please use our Online Mapping system to find out if a property is listed or within a conservation area.

If the property you are interested in is a flat or any form of building other than a house, you should contact the Council or visit www.planningportal.gov.uk to find out how the regulations affect you.

If you are interested in a house, you can find out which rules apply by clicking on the appropriate link below:

• a listed building
• Ewell Village Conservation Area
• The Green/Ewell Downs Road Conservation Area
• Higher Green/Longdown Road North Conservation Area
• Stamford Green Conservation Area
• any other conservation area
• none of the above.

We can only provide an overview of the regulations.  Additional restrictions apply to certain estates and to individual properties.  These restrictions derive from conditions attached to past planning approvals.  You should therefore check with us before proceeding since it is your responsibility to find out whether planning permission is required.