If you’re doing building work, planning a renovation, or you want to change how you use your land, you might be wondering: “Do I need planning permission?”
The answer isn’t always straightforward and it depends on whether your proposed work counts as “development.”
What Is Considered “Development”?
According to Guernsey’s Planning Department, development is: “The carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, and the making of any material change of use of the land.”
This can be summarised into three categories:
- Building Operations: New builds, extensions, structural alterations, roof modifications, dormers, demolition and rebuilding.
- Engineering or Land Works: Excavation or groundworks, creating access roads or driveways, constructing retaining walls and significant landscaping.
- Material Changes of Use: Converting a single home into flats, changing agricultural land to residential use and switching a shop into a café etc.
When Planning Permission Isn’t Required
Some minor works are allowed without Planning Permission. This can include replacing windows and doors, re-roofing, erecting a shed or other garden structure, removing hedges, installation of solar products and small extensions.
These are called exemptions, and they are categorised into 13 different classes: Practice Note PN1 – Do I need Permission for my Development? – A Householders Guide [184kb].
All exemptions are subject to general considerations so it is important to check these on the States of Guernsey website.
When Planning Permission Is Required
The most common Planning applications we submit are for large extensions, dower units and wings, loft conversions, new builds and commercial renovations.
Carrying out development without the necessary approval can result in enforcement action, including financial penalties and having to modify or remove the work.
You don’t always need planning permission in Guernsey, but the deciding factor is whether your proposal qualifies as development under planning law, not how big or small the work seems.
The best approach is to verify if your project requires permission before you start any work to prevent delays and unexpected costs.
Our top tips
Get professional advice – A local architectural practice (like us!) can advise you on Guernsey’s specific planning policies and confirm whether your proposed work requires Planning Permission and a Building Licence.
Do your research – Find out what area your property is in on the Island Development Plan and check if your property is protected. It’s important to know this information before making a Planning Application so any proposed work is suitable, and you apply the correct fee categories. If you work with an architectural practice, they will often conduct this research for you.
Start early – Planning Permission can take time, so make sure you factor this into your project timeframe. Depending on the complexity of the project, permission can take anything from 8 weeks to a year! Even if your project doesn’t require planning permission, it can be beneficial to get plans drawn up by an architect to support construction.
