Planning Permission in North West Leicestershire
Non-Metropolitan District in East Midlands · Last updated April 2026
North West Leicestershire is a diverse district stretching from the former coalfield town of Coalville to the historic market town of Ashby de la Zouch and the rural villages of the National Forest. The district includes East Midlands Airport — one of the UK's busiest cargo hubs — and the Donington Park motor racing circuit. With 28 conservation areas and four Article 4 directions, planning rules vary significantly across the district.
The district is experiencing major change, with the East Midlands Freeport driving logistics and employment growth, Coalville undergoing town centre regeneration, and plans for a new settlement of up to 4,250 homes at Isley Walton. A significant portion of the district lies within the National Forest, which is a material planning consideration for developments within its boundary. The council operates its own in-house building control service — unlike most neighbouring authorities which use the LBCP partnership.
Seven parishes have adopted neighbourhood plans, and the council's Housing Delivery Test score of 242% demonstrates exceptionally strong housing delivery. Pre-application advice is available with responses within 6-8 weeks. Use our free planning search tool to check the planning history and constraints for any property in the district.
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What can I build in North West Leicestershire?
| 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 (28), Article 4 zones (4), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (28), Article 4 zones (4), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (28), Article 4 zones (4), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Kegworth HMO Article 4 Direction, Apiary Gate & Clapgun Street, Castle Donington Article 4 Direction) | Conservation areas (e.g. Appleby Magna, Ashby Canal (to Snarestone), Ashby Castle), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of North West Leicestershire 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 |
| 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 North West Leicestershire (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on North West Leicestershire'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 West Leicestershire
Standard permitted development rights apply to most residential properties in North West Leicestershire. However, the district has four Article 4 directions: a village-wide HMO direction in Kegworth (since 2021), a street-specific direction covering Apiary Gate and Clapgun Street in Castle Donington (restricting window alterations), and conservation area directions in Staunton Harold and Lockington. Properties in any of the 28 conservation areas face additional restrictions on external alterations. The National Forest designation is also a material consideration for development proposals within its boundary.
What North West Leicestershire expects from your project
Design expectations in North West Leicestershire are influenced by the district's varied character — from the urban regeneration of Coalville to the rural villages of the National Forest. The proposed Isley Walton new settlement (up to 4,250 homes near East Midlands Airport) represents the district's most significant design challenge. The East Midlands Freeport and Gateway logistics parks are driving employment growth in the Donington/airport area. In Ashby de la Zouch, the three conservation areas (Castle, Spa, and Town) maintain high design standards. The National Forest planting requirements — which have seen woodland coverage increase from 7% to over 21% since 1995 — influence landscape design on development sites within the forest boundary.
Local design guidance
Residential Design Guidance (Local Plan appendix)
Local Plan: North West Leicestershire Local Plan 2011–2031
North West Leicestershire adopted its Local Plan in October 2017. The district is a major logistics hub, anchored by the East Midlands Airport and the Pegasus Business Park. The plan provides for significant employment growth and housing, including strategic sites at Castle Donington and Coalville.
Emerging / replacement plan
North West Leicestershire is preparing a new Local Plan. An Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022–2023, with a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan anticipated in 2025.
28 conservation areas
North West Leicestershire 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.
93.5% approval rate
North West Leicestershire approves 93.5% 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 West Leicestershire
28 designated conservation areas
North West Leicestershire's 28 conservation areas reflect its diverse heritage, from the medieval core of Ashby de la Zouch surrounding the Grade I listed castle to the industrial heritage of Coalville and the canal-side village of Snarestone. The Staunton Harold estate and the hilltop church at Breedon on the Hill (Grade I, Church of St Mary and St Hardulph) are particularly significant heritage assets. The Ashby Canal conservation area stretches to Snarestone. Listed building consent is required for any works to listed buildings, and seven neighbourhood plans contain local design policies for their respective parishes.
Article 4 directions in North West Leicestershire
4 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in North West Leicestershire
There are 657 listed buildings in North West Leicestershire. 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 West Leicestershire's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
North West Leicestershire received 619 planning applications and decided 540 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 93.5% 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 West Leicestershire's Housing Delivery Test score of 242% is one of the highest in the country, demonstrating exceptionally strong housing delivery. No additional consequences apply, and standard planning policies carry full weight. The district has no Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) — developer contributions are secured through Section 106 agreements. The council is working on a new Local Plan (to 2042), with consultation expected in 2026. The district is unique among its Leicestershire neighbours in operating its own in-house building control service rather than being part of the LBCP partnership.
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 West Leicestershire
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what North West Leicestershire 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 West Leicestershire'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 West Leicestershire
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
North West Leicestershire delivered 2,367 homes against a requirement of 979 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 242%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in North West Leicestershire are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in North West Leicestershire
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from North West Leicestershire 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 West Leicestershire decided 268 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 90.3% 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 North West Leicestershire
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through North West Leicestershire'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 West Leicestershire 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.
Check your permitted development rights
Find out instantly whether your project in North West Leicestershire needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
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£49North West Leicestershire Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for North West Leicestershire.
Pre-application advice in North West Leicestershire
North West Leicestershire offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is Varies by proposal type — see council fee schedule.
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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Check your PD rights now →Response within 6-8 weeks. Categories include minor/householder and major (with Stage 1 Overview and Stage 2 Detailed options). Online application form available.
View North West Leicestershire's pre-application advice page →
Planning fees and timelines in North West Leicestershire
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder application | £528 | Single dwelling alterations/extensions (from April 2025) |
| LDC (proposed) | £264 | Confirm proposed works are lawful |
| LDC (existing) | £298 | Confirm existing works/use is lawful |
| Listed building consent | £0 | No fee for listed building consent applications |
| Prior approval | £120 | Larger home extensions, outbuildings etc. |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 | Per condition, per request |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | Minor change to approved householder scheme |
| Pre-application advice | Varies | See council fee schedule; 6-8 week response |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by North West Leicestershire and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in North West Leicestershire
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 West Leicestershire is provided by North West Leicestershire District Council Building Control. In-house service provided directly by the council (LABC member). Not part of the Leicestershire Building Control Partnership. Private approved inspectors can also be used. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
North West Leicestershire planning department
Your building project checklist for North West Leicestershire
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — North West Leicestershire has 28 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — North West Leicestershire has 4 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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