Planning Permission in North Lincolnshire
Unitary Authority in Yorkshire and The Humber · Last updated April 2026
North Lincolnshire is a unitary authority centred on the steel town of Scunthorpe, with the historic market towns of Brigg, Barton-upon-Humber, and Epworth. The area spans from the Humber Estuary and its internationally important wetlands to the rolling chalk hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Isle of Axholme's unique strip-farming landscape.
Planning is governed by the North Lincolnshire Local Plan (under review, current policies from the Core Strategy 2011). The authority manages the industrial legacy of Scunthorpe alongside the protection of its diverse rural landscape, including the Humber Estuary SPA/Ramsar site and the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB.
With 17 conservation areas, 12 Article 4 directions, 917 listed buildings, and no Green Belt, property owners should check local designations. The council's 85.8% approval rate is close to the national average.
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What can I build in North Lincolnshire?
| 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 | Conservation areas (17), Article 4 zones (12), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (17), Article 4 zones (12), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (17), Article 4 zones (12), 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 Lincolnshire | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| 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 |
| 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 Lincolnshire (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on North 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 Lincolnshire
Permitted development rights follow national rules. Properties in the 17 conservation areas and 12 Article 4 zones face additional restrictions. The Lincolnshire Wolds AONB covers the eastern part of the authority, where PD rights are reduced. The Isle of Axholme has specific landscape character that influences design expectations. Flood risk from the Humber and the Trent adds constraints in low-lying areas.
What North Lincolnshire expects from your project
Design expectations reflect the diverse character of North Lincolnshire. In the market towns, traditional brick and pantile set the context. The Wolds villages use local chalk and limestone. Scunthorpe has a more modern character allowing contemporary design. The council emphasises appropriate scale and materials, and sensitivity to the landscape in rural areas.
Local Plan: North Lincolnshire Core Strategy 2001–2026
North Lincolnshire adopted its Core Strategy in April 2011. The unitary authority covers the steel-making town of Scunthorpe, the Isle of Axholme and the Lincolnshire Wolds edge. The plan focuses regeneration on Scunthorpe and the Humber bank industrial complex, while protecting the rural character of outlying settlements.
Emerging / replacement plan
North Lincolnshire is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2021–2022, with a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan anticipated in 2025 and adoption targeted for 2026.
12 Article 4 directions
North Lincolnshire has applied Article 4 directions to 12 areas, which remove certain permitted development rights in those zones. Use our free checker to see if your property is affected.
Conservation areas in North Lincolnshire
17 designated conservation areas
North Lincolnshire has 17 conservation areas including Barton-upon-Humber (with its remarkable Saxon church), the medieval market town of Brigg, and the rural villages of Crowle and Winterton. The Isle of Axholme retains its unique medieval strip-farming landscape. The council expects local materials — brick and pantile in most areas, with limestone in the western villages.
Article 4 directions in North Lincolnshire
12 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in North Lincolnshire
There are 917 listed buildings in North 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 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 Lincolnshire received 793 planning applications and decided 744 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 85.8% is below 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 Lincolnshire processes around 793 applications per year with an 85.8% approval rate. Householder decisions meet the 8-week target 94.2% of the time. The Housing Delivery Test score of 125% indicates delivery above requirements.
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 Lincolnshire
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what North 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 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 Lincolnshire
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
North Lincolnshire delivered 1,293 homes against a requirement of 1,033 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 125%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in North Lincolnshire are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in North Lincolnshire
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from North 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 Lincolnshire decided 346 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 94.2% 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 Lincolnshire
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through North 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 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 Lincolnshire.
Pre-application advice in North Lincolnshire
North Lincolnshire offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £60 (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.
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Planning fees and timelines in North 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 Lincolnshire and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in North 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 Lincolnshire is provided by North Lincolnshire Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
North Lincolnshire planning department
Your building project checklist for North Lincolnshire
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — North Lincolnshire has 17 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — North Lincolnshire has 12 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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