Planning Permission in Adur
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Adur is a compact coastal district in West Sussex, centred on Shoreham-by-Sea with its historic harbour and medieval church. The district stretches along the coast to include Lancing, Southwick, and the slopes of the South Downs. The River Adur estuary creates a distinctive landscape where chalk downland meets the sea.
With 7 conservation areas, 9 Article 4 directions, and 95 listed buildings, Adur's heritage is modest but focused on key locations. The council approved 91% of applications in the year ending September 2025 — above the national average.
This guide covers permitted development rights, planning fees, and the application process for homeowners in Adur — from seaside properties in Shoreham to suburban homes in Lancing and Southwick.
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What can I build in Adur?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Adur outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (7), Article 4 zones (9), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Adur outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (7), Article 4 zones (9), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (7), Article 4 zones (9), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Adur | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Adur outside protected zones, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | Conservation areas (side or front), listed buildings |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties near highway boundary | Conservation areas with restrictions, listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings, conservation areas (if visible from road) |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Conservation areas with specific restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Adur (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Adur's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Adur
Adur's planning is relatively straightforward compared to many Surrey and Kent authorities. With no Green Belt and no AONB within the district (the South Downs National Park boundary runs along the northern edge), standard PD rights apply to most properties. The 7 conservation areas and 9 Article 4 directions restrict development in Shoreham's historic areas and parts of the coastal frontage. The council's 91% approval rate reflects a generally supportive approach.
What Adur expects from your project
Local design guidance
Design Guide (Local Plan policies)
Local Plan: Adur Local Plan 2017–2032
Adur District adopted its Local Plan in September 2017. The small coastal district between Brighton and Worthing is centred on Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing. The plan is tightly constrained by the South Downs National Park to the north and coastal flood risk to the south, focusing development within the existing settlement boundaries.
Emerging / replacement plan
Adur is jointly preparing a new Local Plan with Worthing Borough. A Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan was consulted on in 2023–2024, with submission to the Planning Inspectorate anticipated in 2025.
91% approval rate
Adur approves 91% of planning applications, above the national average of 86.9%. Well-designed residential applications in this area tend to have a good chance of success.
Conservation areas in Adur
7 designated conservation areas
Adur's 7 conservation areas include Shoreham-by-Sea's historic harbour and town centre (with the magnificent Norman church of St Mary de Haura), Old Shoreham, and parts of Southwick. With 95 listed buildings, the heritage is concentrated around the River Adur estuary. The 9 Article 4 directions provide additional control in the most sensitive locations, typically covering front-facing alterations.
Article 4 directions in Adur
9 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Adur
There are 95 listed buildings in Adur. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Adur's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Adur received 314 planning applications and decided 312 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 91% is above the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
Adur processed planning decisions with a 91% approval rate in the year ending September 2025 — above the national average. The rate reflects the relatively few constraints on most properties and the council's supportive approach to appropriate development. Processing efficiency is good through the joint service with Worthing.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Adur
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Adur expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Adur's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Adur
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Adur delivered 399 homes against a requirement of 493 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 81%. This is below the 85% threshold, which means Adur must apply a 20% buffer when calculating its five-year housing land supply. This makes it harder for the council to demonstrate it has enough land allocated for housing, and if it cannot, planning policy carries less weight and the balance shifts in favour of granting permission. For homeowners, this can mean a more favourable climate for planning applications that involve new dwellings, such as building in your garden or converting outbuildings.
Lawful Development Certificates in Adur
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Adur that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Adur decided 217 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 96.3% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Adur
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Adur's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Adur must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Adur.
Pre-application advice in Adur
Adur offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £150 for householder proposals.
Pre-app advice is worth paying for if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
Think your project might be permitted development?
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Check your PD rights now →Adur offers pre-application advice for all types of development through its joint service with Worthing.
Planning fees and timelines in Adur
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Full planning permission | £610 per dwelling | 8-13 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6-8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6-8 weeks |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Prior approval | £120 | 56 days |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | 8 weeks |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | 28 days |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Adur and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Adur
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Adur is provided by Adur & Worthing Councils. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Adur planning department
Your building project checklist for Adur
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Adur has 7 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Adur has 9 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
Nearby planning authorities
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