Planning Permission is needed for almost all development.  The law defines 'development' as: "The carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land".  However some minor developments - certain extensions to your home, or certain changes between similar uses - may not need Planning Permission.  This is  known as 'Permitted Development'.  For advise on whether Planning Permission is needed contact us directly at dc@sunderland.gov.uk or send in a Prelimary Enquiry Form (PDF56kb) to Development Control, Sunderland City Council, PO Box 102 Civic Centre, Sunderland, SR2 7DN.

For a fee you can also apply to us for a formal decision on whether an existing or planned development needs Planning Permission.  This is known as a Certificate of Lawfulness.  If the development does not need Planning Permission then you will receive a certificate confirming this.  This will give you the same security from enforcement action as Planning Permission, or if you are unhappy with the councils decision you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

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