Planning Permission in North East Lincolnshire
Unitary Authority in Yorkshire and The Humber · Last updated April 2026
North East Lincolnshire is a unitary authority encompassing the town of Grimsby — once the world's largest fishing port — its seaside neighbour Cleethorpes, and the rural hinterland including the attractive Lincolnshire Wolds villages. The area's heritage is shaped by fishing, maritime trade, and Victorian seaside resort development.
Planning is governed by the North East Lincolnshire Local Plan 2013-2032 (adopted 2018). The authority balances regeneration of Grimsby (particularly the historic docks and town centre) with coastal tourism development in Cleethorpes and protection of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB in the south.
With 17 conservation areas, 231 listed buildings, and no Green Belt, property owners should check conservation area boundaries. The council's 95.3% approval rate and 100% householder decisions in time demonstrate excellent service delivery.
Planning a project in North East Lincolnshire? Start here.
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What can I build in North East Lincolnshire?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of North East Lincolnshire outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (17), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of North East Lincolnshire outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (17), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (17), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of North East Lincolnshire | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of North East Lincolnshire 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 North East Lincolnshire (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on North East Lincolnshire's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in North East Lincolnshire
Permitted development rights follow national rules. Properties in conservation areas such as Old Clee, Grimsby Town Centre, and Cleethorpes Seafront face additional restrictions. Properties in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB (southern part of the authority) have tighter PD limits. Coastal properties may be subject to flood risk constraints.
What North East Lincolnshire expects from your project
Design should reflect the area's maritime and Victorian character. In Grimsby's docks area, the industrial heritage should be respected. Cleethorpes Seafront has specific character guidelines. Rural extensions in the Wolds should use local brick and pantile. The council's design guidance emphasises appropriate materials, scale, and form that enhance the local character.
Local Plan: North East Lincolnshire Local Plan 2018–2032
North East Lincolnshire Council adopted its Local Plan in April 2018. The unitary authority covers Grimsby and Cleethorpes, with the Humber Estuary providing an internationally important nature conservation designations. The plan supports offshore wind energy supply chain development and the regeneration of Grimsby town centre and Fish Docks.
Emerging / replacement plan
North East Lincolnshire is preparing a new Local Plan within the Humber sub-regional context. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022–2023, with a Regulation 19 plan anticipated in 2025.
95.3% approval rate
North East Lincolnshire approves 95.3% of planning applications, above the national average of 86.9%. Well-designed residential applications in this area tend to have a good chance of success.
Conservation areas in North East Lincolnshire
17 designated conservation areas
North East Lincolnshire has 17 conservation areas including Old Clee (one of the oldest settlements in the area), Grimsby's historic dock area, and Cleethorpes Seafront. The fishing heritage of Grimsby's docks is nationally significant. The council expects appropriate materials — traditional red brick and pantile roofs in the older settlements, with Victorian materials on the coast.
Article 4 directions in North East Lincolnshire
6 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in North East Lincolnshire
There are 231 listed buildings in North East Lincolnshire. 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 North East Lincolnshire's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
North East Lincolnshire received 507 planning applications and decided 490 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 95.3% 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.
North East Lincolnshire processes around 507 applications per year with an excellent 95.3% approval rate, well above national average. All major applications and 100% of householder decisions are within target — outstanding performance. The Housing Delivery Test score of 187% indicates strong delivery.
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 North East Lincolnshire
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what North East Lincolnshire expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on North East Lincolnshire'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 North East Lincolnshire
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
North East Lincolnshire delivered 1,036 homes against a requirement of 554 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 187%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in North East Lincolnshire are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in North East Lincolnshire
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from North East Lincolnshire 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.
North East Lincolnshire decided 225 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 100% 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 North East Lincolnshire
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through North East Lincolnshire'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
North East Lincolnshire 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 North East Lincolnshire.
Pre-application advice in North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £55 (householder). You can typically expect a response within 28 days.
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?
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View North East Lincolnshire's pre-application advice page →
Planning fees and timelines in North East Lincolnshire
| 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 North East Lincolnshire and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in North East Lincolnshire
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 North East Lincolnshire is provided by North East Lincolnshire Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
North East Lincolnshire planning department
Your building project checklist for North East Lincolnshire
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — North East Lincolnshire has 17 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — North East Lincolnshire has 6 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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