Amendments to planning permissions

To change approved details or plans of an existing planning permission you will normally need to make a fresh application.

However, in some instances, minor changes to the approved plans and details can be approved.

There are 2 ways to apply for this depending on the type and scale of amendment proposed:

  • non-material amendments
  • minor material amendments

The following consents cannot be amended in this way:

  • listed building consent
  • conservation area consent
  • advertisement consent

Minor material amendments

Minor material amendments are:

  • those whose scale and nature results in a development which is not substantially different from the one which has been approved
  • where the proposed amendment could be achieved by modifying an existing condition to the original planning permission

An example of this would be relocating an extension closer to a neighbour’s boundary and changing the approved plans condition.

For approved planning permissions fill in the application form for removal or variation of a condition.

The fee for this type of application is £293.

Apply to remove or vary a condition

For plans that are not approved:

This procedure cannot extend the time limit for implementing a planning permission.

Non-material amendments

For minor non-material amendments fill in the non-material amendment application form.

Apply for a non-material amendment

An example of this would be moving a window on a house extension that wouldn't impact on a neighbouring property.

Don't use this procedure:

  • if the proposed change would be in direct conflict with an existing condition
  • if it would result in changes to a s106 legal agreement

An example of this would be changing a garage to a living room if there is a condition saying it has to be used as a garage.

Under s.96A non-material amendments can allow new conditions to be imposed, or existing conditions to be removed or altered. 

The fee for this application type is:

  • £43 for a householder 
  • £293 for any other development

Significant amendments

If your proposed amendment is not non-material or minor, make a fresh planning application.

You can make one free re-submission of a planning application, provided:

  • it is for the same development
  • it is within 12 months of the original permission being granted

It may, therefore, be possible to make a free application for the amendment. This will depend on whether the proposed amendment has changed the character of the development.

The usual planning application fee would apply if:

  • the amendment would change the character of the development
  • more than 12 months have passed
  • the 'free go' has already been used up
  • a different person is submitting the revised application