Working from Home
Do I need planning permission to work from
home?
There is no exact rule on
whether or not you need planning permission to work from home; you
need to consider the impact your business will have on adjoining
residential occupiers and the surrounding area. Some of the
main tests are outlined below, but please be advised that other
factors may affect the result depending on the type of
business.
If you answer yes to any of
these questions then you are likely to need planning
permission:
- Will more than a small part of your house be used for the
business?
- Will there be increased traffic and vehicle movements in
the area as a result of your business? This can include
customers and deliveries to/from the home.
- Will the use cause a disturbance such as noise or smell?
- Will the activity take place outside of ‘normal working
hours’?
- Will the business have other employees?
Examples of uses that need
planning permission are bed and breakfast accommodation and car
repairs or sales.
You may apply for a
Certificate of Lawful Use for the proposed use in order to confirm
that planning permission is not needed. You may also contact
the Duty Planning Officer for an informal opinion.
You are reminded that you may need Building Control permission for building works
or alterations to sanitary connections and electrical installation
regardless of whether or not you need planning permission. For more
information about working from home visit the
Planning portal