Planning Permission in Arun
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Arun district stretches along the West Sussex coast from Littlehampton through Bognor Regis to Pagham Harbour, with the market town of Arundel sitting inland beneath its magnificent castle. The district combines seaside towns with the chalk downland fringe of the South Downs and the flat coastal plain. Arundel is one of the most architecturally significant small towns in southern England.
With 23 conservation areas and 741 listed buildings — many concentrated around Arundel Castle and its medieval town — the district has strong heritage character. The council approved 87% of applications in the year ending September 2025.
This guide covers permitted development rights, planning fees, and the application process for homeowners across Arun — from coastal bungalows in Bognor Regis to medieval properties in Arundel and rural homes on the coastal plain.
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What can I build in Arun?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (23), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (23), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (23), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Arun | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 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 Arun (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Arun's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Arun
Arun's planning is relatively straightforward for most properties. With no Green Belt, standard PD rights apply in most urban areas. The South Downs National Park boundary runs along the northern edge, and properties within the park are handled by the National Park Authority. The 23 conservation areas restrict development in Arundel, parts of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, and several villages. Flood risk is a consideration for coastal and river valley properties.
What Arun expects from your project
Local design guidance
Design Guide (Local Plan policies)
Local Plan: Arun Local Plan 2011–2031
Arun District adopted its Local Plan in July 2018. The district covers the West Sussex coast including Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Arundel. The plan provides for around 7,400 new homes, with significant allocations at Bognor Regis urban extension and at Barnham/Eastergate/Westergate (BEW). Coastal flood risk is a major constraint.
Emerging / replacement plan
Arun is preparing a new Local Plan. Regulation 18 consultation ran in 2022 and a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan is anticipated in 2025–2026.
23 conservation areas
Arun has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
Conservation areas in Arun
23 designated conservation areas
Arun's 23 conservation areas include Arundel — dominated by the castle, cathedral, and medieval street pattern — Littlehampton's riverside area, parts of Bognor Regis seafront, and villages like Yapton and Walberton. With 741 listed buildings, Arundel accounts for a significant proportion, with the castle, priory, and surrounding medieval buildings forming an exceptional heritage cluster. The conservation areas protect the character of the district's most architecturally sensitive locations.
Article 4 directions in Arun
1 Article 4 direction area
Listed buildings in Arun
There are 741 listed buildings in Arun. 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 Arun's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Arun received 829 planning applications and decided 761 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 87% 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.
Arun processed planning decisions with an 87% approval rate in the year ending September 2025. The rate reflects the relatively few constraints on most properties, with the main considerations being conservation areas in Arundel and the coastal towns, and flood risk in low-lying areas.
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 Arun
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Arun expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Arun'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 Arun
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Arun delivered 2,366 homes against a requirement of 3,360 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 70%. This is well below the 75% threshold, which triggers the most significant consequence: the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” (also called the “tilted balance”). This means planning applications for housing should be approved unless the harm would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. For homeowners, this is a strong signal — Arun is under considerable pressure to approve housing, making it one of the more favourable environments for residential planning applications in England.
Lawful Development Certificates in Arun
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Arun 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.
Arun decided 447 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 99.3% 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 Arun
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Arun'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
Arun 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 Arun.
Pre-application advice in Arun
Arun 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 →Arun offers pre-application advice for householder and larger proposals. A written response covers likely planning issues.
Planning fees and timelines in Arun
| 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 Arun and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Arun
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 Arun is provided by Arun District Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Arun planning department
Your building project checklist for Arun
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Arun has 23 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Arun has 1 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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