Planning Permission in Craven
Local Planning Authority in England · Last updated April 2026
Craven was replaced by North Yorkshire in 2023 as part of local government reorganisation. Planning applications in this area are now handled by North Yorkshire.
View North Yorkshire planning authority pageCraven is a local planning authority covering a distinctive area of North Yorkshire, spanning from the limestone hills of the Pennines to the rolling countryside of the Dales. The district encompasses market towns including Skipton and Settle, alongside numerous small villages and hamlets that reflect the region's rich heritage of farming, quarrying, and rural enterprise. The landscape is characterised by open moorland, dry stone walls, and traditional stone-built settlements that give the area its distinctive character.
Planning in Craven is managed to balance the needs of development with the protection of the area's natural beauty and distinctive landscape. With no conservation areas currently designated under formal protection, the planning system here relies on other tools to manage development. The district benefits from straightforward permitted development rules, giving homeowners greater flexibility for many types of building work without the need for full planning permission in certain circumstances.
If you're planning building work in Craven, understanding what requires planning permission is essential. Whether you're considering a house extension, garage, garden building, or other alterations, the rules differ depending on the type and scale of your project. This guide explains the planning requirements specific to Craven and helps you navigate the process effectively.
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Permitted development in Craven
Permitted development rights in Craven allow homeowners to undertake many common building projects without submitting a full planning application, provided certain conditions are met. These include house extensions, loft conversions, garden buildings, and porches, subject to size, design, and location restrictions. Since Craven has no Article 4 directions in place, permitted development rights operate at their standard national level across the district. However, it's important to note that building regulations approval is still required for most structural work, even if planning permission is not needed. Additionally, if your property is listed or located within a conservation area, different rules apply, and you should check the specific constraints on your property before proceeding.
Local Plan: Craven Local Plan 2012–2032
Craven District Council adopted its Local Plan in November 2019. The district covered the rural North Yorkshire Dales and Craven uplands, centred on Skipton and Settle. Craven was dissolved in April 2023 and merged with other North Yorkshire districts into the new North Yorkshire Council unitary authority.
Emerging / replacement plan
North Yorkshire Council (formed April 2023, incorporating Craven and six other districts) is preparing a new Local Plan for the whole county. A Regulation 18 consultation is anticipated in 2025–2026.
Article 4 directions in Craven
Article 4 direction data for Craven 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 Craven's planning department directly or use our free PD checker to check whether your property is affected.
Listed buildings in Craven
There are 878 listed buildings in Craven. 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 Craven's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Lawful Development Certificates in Craven
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Craven 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 Craven
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal. 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
Craven 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 Craven.
Your building project checklist for Craven
- 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 — contact Craven's planning department.
- 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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