– FAQ
Retention Planning Permission FAQs
These do not automatically regularise unauthorised works carried out before that date. If your works required planning permission when they were carried out, the new exemptions do not remove the need to address their planning status. Retention planning permission may still be required, even where similar works carried out today could qualify for exemption.
Categories
Planning Enforcement from the Local Authority
What is Planning Enforcement?
Planning enforcement is the process by which local authorities ensure that developments comply with planning laws. If work has been carried out without permission or breaches the conditions of an existing permission, the local authority may take enforcement action against the property owner.
Do the new 2026 planning exemptions apply to works already completed?
The new exemptions do not automatically authorise works carried out before 27 July 2026. If your works required permission at the time and were carried out without it, their planning status still needs to be addressed and retention permission may be required. We can review the date and nature of the works and advise on the next steps.
When can a local authority take enforcement action?
Local authorities may take enforcement action if:
- Construction or development has been carried out without planning permission.
- There is a failure to comply with the conditions of a granted planning permission.
- The development exceeds what is considered exempt development under planning laws.