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 listed buildings.

To find out if a property is listed or within a conservation area click here.

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 part of the list 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.

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

Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens

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.