Do I need planning permission?

Online: The Planning Portal hosts a visual guide for householders but please check the small print as further restrictions apply within National Parks. There’s also a useful section: Do I need permission?

Telephone: A duty officer is available on the telephone (01590 646615) from 10am to 11.45am, Tuesday to Thursday, to help with general planning enquiries from members of the public. This is a free service.

Email:  planning@newforestnpa.gov.uk

Write in: Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington, SO41 9ZG

An acknowledgement letter will be sent advising the name and contact details of the Planning Officer dealing with your enquiry and reference number. If you need to contact us, please quote the reference number. We aim to respond to written requests within 15 working days.

You should also note that the local planning authority may have removed some of your permitted development rights by issuing an Article 4 Direction. This will mean that you have to submit a planning application for work which normally does not need one.

Article 4 Directions are made when the character of an area of acknowledged importance would be threatened. They are most common in conservation areas.

Go to our Article 4 Directions page

Our ecologists advise that, in the New Forest, even well-managed projects should take ecology into careful consideration. The area supports a wide range of legally protected species, so seeking ecological advice at an early stage is strongly recommended,  even where planning permission is not required.

Early ecological input helps ensure works are carried out responsibly and lawfully, reducing the risk of unintended impacts. It can also help avoid unexpected delays or additional costs that may arise if protected species are discovered later in a project.