Planning Permission in Mendip
Local Planning Authority in England · Last updated April 2026
Mendip was replaced by Somerset in 2023 as part of local government reorganisation. Planning applications in this area are now handled by Somerset.
View Somerset planning authority pageMendip is a local planning authority covering a diverse area of Somerset, spanning from the Mendip Hills in the north to more rural and semi-rural communities across the district. The area is characterised by its natural landscape heritage, market towns, and villages, with Wells as the administrative centre. The district includes significant areas of countryside, historic market settlements, and a mix of residential and agricultural land uses.
Planning in Mendip is managed under the local development framework and the council's adopted local plan policies. The authority covers approximately 750 square kilometres and serves a population of around 110,000 residents. Unlike some neighbouring authorities, Mendip does not have any designated conservation areas, Article 4 directions, or green belt restrictions, which can provide greater flexibility for certain types of development compared to more tightly controlled areas.
If you're planning building work in Mendip, understanding what permissions you need and what rights you may already have is essential. The absence of conservation area designations means fewer heritage-related restrictions in most locations, though individual listed buildings and scheduled monuments still have their own protections. Early engagement with Mendip District Council's planning team can help clarify what you can do under permitted development rights and when formal planning permission is required.
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Permitted development in Mendip
Permitted development rights in Mendip allow homeowners to carry out certain types of building work without needing to apply for planning permission, provided the work meets specific criteria set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order. These rights cover common domestic projects such as single-storey rear extensions (up to certain sizes), loft conversions, garage conversions, and some types of external alterations. However, permitted development rights are not unlimited. Works must not breach conditions imposed on your original planning permission, must comply with building regulations, and must respect any neighbour's property rights. Since Mendip has no Article 4 directions in place, the standard national permitted development rights apply across the authority, giving homeowners predictable rules for minor works. Always check with Mendip District Council before starting work if you're unsure whether permission is needed, as carrying out work that requires permission without applying can result in enforcement action.
Local Plan: Mendip Local Plan Part 1 2006–2029
Mendip District Council adopted its Local Plan Part 1 in December 2014. The district covered the Mendip Hills AONB and market towns of Frome, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Wells. Mendip District was dissolved in April 2023 and merged with three other Somerset districts into the new Somerset Council.
Emerging / replacement plan
Somerset Council (formed April 2023) is preparing a new Local Plan covering the whole county. Regulation 18 consultation is anticipated in 2025–2026.
Article 4 directions in Mendip
Article 4 direction data for Mendip 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 Mendip's planning department directly or use our free PD checker to check whether your property is affected.
Listed buildings in Mendip
There are 2,976 listed buildings in Mendip. 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 Mendip's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Lawful Development Certificates in Mendip
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Mendip 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 Mendip
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
Mendip 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 Mendip.
Your building project checklist for Mendip
- 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 Mendip'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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