Planning Permission in Eastleigh
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Eastleigh is a borough in south Hampshire between Southampton and Winchester, covering the towns of Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, and Hedge End. The borough contains 8 conservation areas and 184 listed buildings. While relatively compact, it sits at a strategic transport junction and has seen significant growth in recent decades.
The borough's character ranges from the Victorian railway town of Eastleigh to the suburban settlements of Chandler's Ford and West End. The River Itchen runs through the eastern part, creating important ecological and landscape considerations.
Eastleigh approved 88.4% of planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with 541 decisions from 559 applications. Housing delivery at 122% exceeds targets, with no additional buffer required.
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What can I build in Eastleigh?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Eastleigh outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (8), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Eastleigh outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (8), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (8), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Eastleigh | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Eastleigh 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 Eastleigh (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Eastleigh's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Eastleigh
Eastleigh's permitted development framework is relatively straightforward, with 8 conservation areas and no Article 4 directions. Standard PD rights apply to most of the borough. The Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership requirement applies to new residential development. The River Itchen is a Special Area of Conservation, meaning development nearby may require Habitats Regulations Assessment.
What Eastleigh expects from your project
Local design guidance
Residential Design (Local Plan policies)
Local Plan: Eastleigh Borough Local Plan 2016–2036
Eastleigh Borough adopted its Local Plan in October 2018. The plan supports significant housing growth including the Boorley Green new settlement, Strategic Development Areas at Hedge End and Bishopstoke, and regeneration at Eastleigh town centre. The borough includes Southampton Airport and major employment sites along the M3/M27 corridor.
Emerging / replacement plan
Eastleigh is preparing a new Local Plan to address housing shortfalls. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2023, with a Regulation 19 plan anticipated in 2025–2026.
Conservation areas in Eastleigh
8 designated conservation areas
Eastleigh's 8 conservation areas cover the most historically significant parts of the borough. Bishopstoke village retains its medieval and Georgian character along the River Itchen. Other conservation areas protect village cores and areas of architectural interest. The council expects proposals to respect the specific character of each area, with attention to materials, scale, and the relationship to the streetscape.
Article 4 directions in Eastleigh
9 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Eastleigh
There are 184 listed buildings in Eastleigh. 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 Eastleigh's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Eastleigh received 559 planning applications and decided 541 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 88.4% 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.
Eastleigh approved 88.4% of applications in the year ending September 2025 with a 94.3% delegation rate. Major applications were decided on time in 94.1% of cases, with householder at 92%. The council processed 541 decisions from 559 applications, including 352 householder decisions. Housing delivery at 122% demonstrates healthy development activity.
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 Eastleigh
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Eastleigh expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Eastleigh'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 Eastleigh
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Eastleigh delivered 2,199 homes against a requirement of 1,808 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 122%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Eastleigh are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Eastleigh
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Eastleigh 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.
Eastleigh decided 352 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 92% is below the national average of 93%, so LDC applications may take longer than the 8-week target. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Eastleigh
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Eastleigh'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
Eastleigh 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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Find out instantly whether your project in Eastleigh needs planning permission.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Eastleigh.
Pre-application advice in Eastleigh
Eastleigh offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £60 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 →Pre-application advice for householder and commercial developments within the Eastleigh Borough area.
Planning fees and timelines in Eastleigh
| 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 Eastleigh and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Eastleigh
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 Eastleigh is provided by Eastleigh Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Eastleigh planning department
Your building project checklist for Eastleigh
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Eastleigh has 8 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Eastleigh 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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