Planning Permission in Chichester
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Chichester is a cathedral city in West Sussex, centred on a Roman street plan with a medieval core. The wider district stretches from Chichester Harbour AONB in the south to the South Downs National Park in the north, encompassing the Manhood Peninsula and the market towns of Midhurst and Petworth. Note that properties within the South Downs National Park are handled by the National Park Authority.
With 23 conservation areas and 1,389 listed buildings, Chichester has a rich heritage character. The council approved 89% of applications in the year ending September 2025, reflecting a supportive approach to appropriate development.
This guide covers permitted development rights, planning fees, and the application process for homeowners across the Chichester district — from the city centre to the coastal harbour villages and the northern fringe.
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What can I build in Chichester?
| 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 Chichester | 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 Chichester (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Chichester's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Chichester
Chichester's planning context varies across the district. The South Downs National Park covers the northern portion, handled by its own planning authority. Chichester Harbour AONB to the south restricts PD rights. The 23 conservation areas restrict development in the city centre and numerous villages. Outside protected zones, standard PD rights apply. The council's 89% approval rate shows a constructive approach.
What Chichester expects from your project
Local design guidance
Design Guide (Local Plan policies)
- Surface Water and Foul Drainage SPD
Local Plan: Chichester Local Plan 2021–2039
Chichester adopted its updated Local Plan in May 2023 after examination modifications. The plan had to reduce its housing target significantly due to infrastructure constraints on the A27. It covers the coastal plain and rural hinterland of West Sussex, with conservation policies for the Chichester Harbour AONB and South Downs National Park.
Emerging / replacement plan
The Chichester Local Plan 2039 was recently adopted. The council will monitor against the A27 infrastructure constraints which limit delivery to the coastal plain area.
23 conservation areas
Chichester 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.
11 Article 4 directions
Chichester has applied Article 4 directions to 11 areas, which remove certain permitted development rights in those zones. Use our free checker to see if your property is affected.
Conservation areas in Chichester
23 designated conservation areas
Chichester's 23 conservation areas include the city centre (with its cathedral, medieval market cross, and Georgian streets), Bosham's harbourside village, and the Witterings. With 1,389 listed buildings — including the cathedral, the medieval Guildhall, and numerous Georgian town houses — the heritage landscape is significant. The council carefully assesses proposals affecting the character of these areas.
Article 4 directions in Chichester
11 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Chichester
There are 1,389 listed buildings in Chichester. 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 Chichester's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Chichester received 948 planning applications and decided 960 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 89% 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.
Chichester processed planning decisions with an 89% approval rate in the year ending September 2025. The rate reflects the council's generally supportive approach. Properties within the South Downs National Park are handled separately by the National Park Authority.
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 Chichester
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Chichester expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Chichester'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 Chichester
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Chichester delivered 2,311 homes against a requirement of 1,927 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 120%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Chichester are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Chichester
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Chichester 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.
Chichester decided 494 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 98.2% 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 Chichester
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Chichester'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
Chichester 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.
Check your permitted development rights
Find out instantly whether your project in Chichester needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
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£49Chichester Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Chichester.
Pre-application advice in Chichester
Chichester 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?
Check in 2 minutes with our free tool — no sign-up needed.
Check your PD rights now →Chichester offers pre-application advice for all types of development.
Planning fees and timelines in Chichester
| 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 Chichester and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Chichester
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 Chichester is provided by Chichester District Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Chichester planning department
Your building project checklist for Chichester
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Chichester has 23 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Chichester has 11 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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