Planning Permission in Newark and Sherwood
Non-Metropolitan District in East Midlands · Last updated April 2026
Newark and Sherwood is a large district in central Nottinghamshire administered by Newark and Sherwood District Council. The area has 47 conservation areas, 1,397 listed buildings (45 Grade I — the highest count in Nottinghamshire), and 2 Article 4 directions. The district stretches from the A1/ECML corridor at Newark to the ancient heartland of Sherwood Forest, encompassing the cathedral town of Southwell and the former coalfield communities of Ollerton and Clipstone.
Planning decisions are guided by the Amended Core Strategy (adopted March 2019) and the Allocations and Development Management DPD (adopted July 2013). Newark is experiencing major growth with the Southern Link Road (opened 2024) unlocking Land South of Newark for up to 3,150 homes, while Fernwood has grown from nothing to a new community with Phase 2 adding 3,200 further homes. The district has 12 made neighbourhood plans and CIL charges apply.
The district's heritage is exceptional: Southwell Minster (Grade I, founded 956 AD, with unique medieval Chapter House carvings), Newark Castle (Grade I, site of King John's death in 1216 and Civil War sieges), and Sherwood Forest (including the Major Oak, reputed to be 800-1,000 years old). Laxton is the last village in England to practise the medieval open-field strip farming system — a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Pre-application advice costs £120 for householder proposals.
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What can I build in Newark and Sherwood?
| 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 or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (47), Article 4 zones (2), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Check distance to boundary ≥7m or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (47), Article 4 zones (2), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (47), Article 4 zones (2), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Southwell Article 4 Direction, Newark Town Centre Article 4 Direction) | Conservation areas (e.g. Eakring, Bleasby, South Clifton), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Newark and Sherwood outside conservation areas | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings, Article 4 areas |
| 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, Green Belt |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties in Article 4 areas or 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 Newark and Sherwood (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Newark and Sherwood's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Newark and Sherwood
Permitted development rights in Newark and Sherwood are significantly shaped by 47 conservation areas — one of the highest counts in the East Midlands. Properties in the Nottingham Green Belt (southern part of the district) face stricter limits on extensions. Two Article 4 directions cover Southwell (protecting the setting of the Minster) and Newark Town Centre (protecting the market town character). The 1,397 listed buildings (45 Grade I) always require listed building consent. Development in and around Sherwood Forest requires particular attention to landscape character and habitat considerations.
What Newark and Sherwood expects from your project
Design in Newark and Sherwood must respond to highly varied character areas — from the red-brick vernacular of Newark to the stone of Southwell, the former coalfield communities around Ollerton and Clipstone, and the rural villages of the Trent Valley. The Newark Southern Link Road (opened 2024) has unlocked the Land South of Newark strategic allocation (3,150 homes) — development with master plan and design code. Fernwood continues to grow with Phase 2 (3,200 homes). The former Clipstone Colliery headstocks (Grade II) are being retained as heritage features in the redevelopment. Sherwood Forest's natural heritage influences development design in the western part of the district.
Local Plan: Newark and Sherwood Allocations and Development Management DPD
Newark and Sherwood's development plan comprises the Core Strategy (adopted March 2011) and the Allocations and Development Management DPD (adopted March 2013). Together they direct growth to Newark on Trent as the main centre, with smaller settlements in the rural district accommodating limited growth.
Emerging / replacement plan
Newark and Sherwood is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022, with a Regulation 19 plan anticipated in 2025 and adoption targeted for 2026–2027.
47 conservation areas
Newark and Sherwood 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 Newark and Sherwood
47 designated conservation areas
Newark and Sherwood's 47 conservation areas represent an extraordinary heritage landscape. Newark has one of the finest medieval market places in England, dominated by the castle ruins (Grade I) and St Mary Magdalene's spire (287ft, Grade I). Southwell's conservation area protects the setting of the Minster (Grade I) — the only medieval minster between York and Lincoln — and the 18th-century Burgage area. Edwinstowe conservation area includes St Mary's Church where, according to legend, Robin Hood married Maid Marian. Laxton's conservation area protects the unique open-field system — the last in England, cultivated continuously since medieval times under the Court Leet. The district's 45 Grade I listed buildings is the highest count in Nottinghamshire.
Article 4 directions in Newark and Sherwood
2 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Newark and Sherwood
There are 1,397 listed buildings in Newark and Sherwood. 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 Newark and Sherwood's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Newark and Sherwood received 826 planning applications and decided 751 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 88.3% 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.
Newark and Sherwood District Council processes approximately 826 applications annually with an 88.3% approval rate and 83.7% of major applications determined on time. Housing delivery has been exceptionally strong at 188% of the requirement. The Amended Core Strategy allocates approximately 9,080 homes to 2033, with the largest allocations at Land South of Newark (3,150 homes) and Fernwood Phase 2 (3,200 homes). CIL charges apply. Twelve neighbourhood plans have been adopted across the district. Pre-application advice costs £120 for householder proposals.
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 Newark and Sherwood
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Newark and Sherwood expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Newark and Sherwood'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 Newark and Sherwood
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Newark and Sherwood delivered 2,270 homes against a requirement of 1,210 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 188%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Newark and Sherwood are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Newark and Sherwood
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Newark and Sherwood 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.
Newark and Sherwood decided 347 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 92.2% 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 Newark and Sherwood
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Newark and Sherwood'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
Newark and Sherwood 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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£49Newark and Sherwood Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Newark and Sherwood.
Pre-application advice in Newark and Sherwood
Newark and Sherwood offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £120.
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.
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Check your PD rights now →Householder pre-application advice £120 inc. VAT. Minor development £360. Major development £720+. Written response within 28 working days. Heritage advice available.
Planning fees and timelines in Newark and Sherwood
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder Planning Permission | £528 | Single dwelling alterations and extensions (from April 2025) |
| Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) | £264 | Confirm whether proposed work is permitted development |
| Lawful Development Certificate (Existing) | £298 | Confirm existing use or development is lawful |
| Listed Building Consent | Free | Required for works affecting character of any of the 1,397 listed buildings |
| Prior Approval | £120 | Larger home extensions and certain change of use |
| Discharge of Conditions | £145 | Per request to discharge planning conditions |
| Non-Material Amendment | £44 | Minor changes to approved plans |
| Full Planning Permission (new dwelling) | £610 per dwelling | New dwellings up to 50 units (from April 2025) |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Newark and Sherwood and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Newark and Sherwood
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 Newark and Sherwood is provided by Newark and Sherwood District Council (in-house, LABC member). In-house building control service. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Newark and Sherwood planning department
Your building project checklist for Newark and Sherwood
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Newark and Sherwood has 47 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Newark and Sherwood has 2 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.
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