Will Your Home Office Require Planning Permission?

Generally, establishing a home office won't necessitate formal planning consent from your local authority, provided there's no fundamental alteration to your property's primary use. This simply means your house should continue to function predominantly as a private residence.

However, you will most likely need to apply for planning permission if any of these situations describe what you plan to do with your home office:

• Your property ceases to be primarily a private dwelling.

• Your business causes a noticeable increase in either traffic or visitors coming to your house.

• Your commercial activities are considered unusual for a residential neighbourhood.

• Your business disturbs your neighbours during inconvenient hours, or creates nuisances such as excessive noise or unpleasant odours.

If you are uncertain whether your specific plans constitute a fundamental change in how your property is used, you can ask your local council for a Certificate of Lawful Use. This official document confirms that your proposed activities do not require planning permission and are considered a legitimate use for your property. Should the council determine that a significant change of use *is* occurring, then you will be required to submit a full planning application.