Planning Permission in Allerdale
Local Planning Authority in England · Last updated April 2026
Allerdale was replaced by Cumberland in 2023 as part of local government reorganisation. Planning applications in this area are now handled by Cumberland.
View Cumberland planning authority pageAllerdale is a district in West Cumbria, now administered by Cumberland Council (formed April 2023). The area stretches from the Solway Firth coast in the north through the market towns of Workington, Cockermouth, Maryport, Wigton, and Silloth, to the fringes of the Lake District National Park in the east. With 21 conservation areas, 789 listed buildings (including 25 Grade I), and a landscape that includes parts of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site and the Solway Coast AONB, Allerdale has rich heritage considerations for planning applications.
Planning in the Allerdale area is currently governed by the Allerdale Local Plan Part 1 (Strategic Policies) and Part 2 (Site Allocations, adopted July 2020). Cumberland Council is preparing a new single Local Plan to cover the whole council area. The eastern part of the district falls within the Lake District National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where planning applications are determined by the Lake District National Park Authority, not Cumberland Council. There is no Community Infrastructure Levy; developer contributions are secured through Section 106 agreements.
With a Housing Delivery Test score of 303% (2023 measurement) and no Green Belt restrictions, Allerdale is generally supportive of appropriate development. However, properties in conservation areas, the Solway Coast AONB, or within the Hadrian's Wall WHS buffer zone face additional planning constraints. Cockermouth has particular flood risk considerations following severe flooding in 2009 and 2015. Pre-application advice is available from £106.08 for householder proposals, and the council aims to respond within 20 working days.
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What can I build in Allerdale?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Allerdale | Properties near boundaries | listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Allerdale, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Allerdale | Front-facing rooflights | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Allerdale, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | listed buildings |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties near highway boundary | listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Listed buildings with curtilage restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Allerdale (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Allerdale's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Allerdale
Permitted development rights in the Allerdale area are significantly affected by the borough's multiple heritage and landscape designations. Properties within the 21 conservation areas have reduced PD rights for extensions, roof alterations, and boundary treatments. The Solway Coast AONB along the northern coastline imposes similar restrictions — many works that would be PD elsewhere require planning permission. Properties within the Lake District National Park boundary have the most restricted PD rights and are handled by the National Park Authority. Some conservation areas also have Article 4(2) directions removing additional PD rights for external alterations such as replacement windows, doors, and re-rendering. The council's legacy Article 4 directions predate the 1995 GPDO. In Cockermouth and other areas at risk of flooding, extensions and outbuildings may require flood risk assessment.
What Allerdale expects from your project
Design expectations in the Allerdale area vary dramatically by location. The coastal towns of Workington and Maryport have an industrial and post-industrial character, with significant regeneration underway — Maryport has received over £12 million in Future High Streets Fund and Historic England funding, while Workington has a £33 million Town Deal programme. By contrast, the rural villages and market towns have a traditional Cumbrian character with local sandstone and slate. Cockermouth has particular design constraints due to its conservation area status and flood risk — the town experienced devastating floods in 2005, 2009, and 2015 (Storm Desmond), leading to major flood defence works including the UK's first 120m-wide self-closing flood barrier. The Solway Coast AONB has its own design guidance emphasising landscape sensitivity. Properties near Sellafield (in neighbouring Copeland) may be within the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone.
Local Plan: Allerdale Local Plan (Part 1) 2014–2029
Allerdale Borough Council adopted its Local Plan Part 1 in July 2014. The borough covered the north-west Cumbrian coast including Workington, Maryport and Cockermouth, with Sellafield nuclear site forming a significant land use constraint. Allerdale was dissolved in April 2023 and merged into the new Cumberland Council unitary authority.
Emerging / replacement plan
Cumberland Council (formed April 2023, incorporating Allerdale and Copeland) is preparing a new Spatial Development Strategy covering the whole Cumberland area. Regulation 18 consultation is anticipated in 2025–2026.
Article 4 directions in Allerdale
Article 4 direction data for Allerdale has not yet been published to the national planning data platform. This does not mean there are no Article 4 directions in this area. Contact Allerdale's planning department directly or use our free PD checker to check whether your property is affected.
Listed buildings in Allerdale
There are 789 listed buildings in Allerdale. 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 Allerdale's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Lawful Development Certificates in Allerdale
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Allerdale 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.
How to apply for an LDC in Allerdale
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Allerdale'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
Allerdale 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 Allerdale.
Pre-application advice in Allerdale
Allerdale offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £106.08 inc VAT for householder (Level 1). Minor development from £329; major development from £1,700. Bespoke PPAs available for strategic schemes.. You can typically expect a response within Written response within 20 working days. Acknowledgement within 3 working days. Meetings arranged within 15 working days if required..
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.
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Check your PD rights now →Fees effective from 1 April 2025. Cumberland Council advises pre-application discussion for all but the simplest proposals.
Planning fees and timelines in Allerdale
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning permission | £528 | 8-week determination target |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 6–8 weeks typical |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 6–8 weeks typical |
| Listed building consent | £0 | Free — 8-week target. 789 listed buildings in the Allerdale area |
| Full planning permission (non-householder) | £528 | Varies by scale. 8 weeks (minor) or 13 weeks (major) |
| Prior approval (larger home extension) | £120 | 42-day determination period |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 | Per request. 8-week target |
| Non-material amendment (NMA) | £44 | 28-day determination target |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Allerdale and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Allerdale
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 Allerdale is provided by Cumberland Council Building Control (Allerdale). In-house local authority building control service, part of the LABC network. Covers the Allerdale area including properties within the Lake District National Park. You can also use a private Approved Inspector. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Allerdale planning department
Your building project checklist for Allerdale
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Use our free checker to find out.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Check your address for any restrictions.
- 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.
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