Last updated:
8th September 2025
Find out if you need planning permission
Find out if you need planning permission
Which types of developments or building work require planning permission
Not all developments and work require planning permission as they are covered by what is known as permitted development. Find out about permitted development on the Planning Portal.
You can use the Planning Portal website to find information that will help you decide if you need planning permission:
- Interactive house on the Planning Portal
- Common projects on the Planning Portal
- Commercial or residential developments on the Planning Portal
- Installing solar panels on the Planning Portal
Restrictive conditions on your property
Sometimes, a restrictive condition on a property may mean you need to get planning permission even when it may be permitted development. You can check the planning history by viewing applications on our website.
If the planning history is prior to 1998, the microfiche records have been electronically scanned but are not yet available on our website. We offer appointments to view the scans in person, or we can provide copies of these by email for a fee. If you need to arrange an appointment to view or request copies of the electronic scans, please email planning.enquiries@wokingham.gov.uk with the application reference.
Confirmation that planning permission isn't needed
If you consider your work to be permitted development or that it doesn't need permission you should apply for a certificate of lawfulness on the Planning Portal.
It's not compulsory to have a certificate of lawfulness but there may be times when you need one to confirm that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes.
If you're in any doubt you should apply for one.
Architects and planning agents
If you do require planning permission, as the planning process can be complex, we recommend you get an architect or planning agent to help you.
You can find a list of architects and planning agents below:
