Planning Permission in Northumberland
Unitary Authority in North East · Last updated April 2026
Northumberland is England's northernmost and largest county by area, covering a vast and diverse landscape from the industrial south-east coast to the wild uplands of the Cheviot Hills. The county became a unitary authority on 1 April 2009, absorbing six former district councils (Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Blyth Valley, Castle Morpeth, Tynedale, and Wansbeck). The Northumberland National Park, covering 20% of the county, is a separate planning authority with its own Local Plan.
The Northumberland Local Plan 2016–2036 was adopted on 31 March 2022, consolidating planning policies from the six former districts into a single county-wide plan. Supplementary planning documents have been integrated into the Consolidated Planning Policy Framework (CPPF). Work has begun on a new Local Plan, with an early evaluation in May 2025 confirming existing policies remain broadly effective.
With 70 conservation areas, over 5,380 listed buildings (including 161 Grade I), and major heritage designations including the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, and the North Pennines National Landscape, heritage considerations play a significant role in planning decisions throughout the county. The southern part of the county includes Green Belt land forming part of the wider North East Green Belt.
Planning a project in Northumberland? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to Northumberland.
Free check — no account required
What can I build in Northumberland?
| 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 (70), Article 4 zones (6), 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 (70), Article 4 zones (6), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (70), Article 4 zones (6), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Berwick-upon-Tweed Conservation Area, Governor's House, Palace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed) | Conservation areas (e.g. Bedlington, Belford, Blyth Heritage), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Northumberland 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 Northumberland (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Northumberland's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Northumberland
Permitted development rights in Northumberland broadly follow national standards under the General Permitted Development Order. However, several Article 4 directions apply in conservation areas including Berwick-upon-Tweed, Holy Island, Bath Terrace in Blyth, Longhirst, and Whalton, removing permitted development rights for external alterations such as windows, doors, and front elevations. In all 70 conservation areas, additional restrictions apply to demolition, cladding, satellite dishes, and roof alterations. The council does not charge CIL; developer contributions are secured through Section 106 agreements. Agricultural permitted development rights are particularly relevant given the county's rural character, with prior notification required for many farm buildings.
What Northumberland expects from your project
The council's design policies are set out in the Northumberland Local Plan and the Consolidated Planning Policy Framework. A Northumberland Design Code is being developed but has not yet been adopted. Area-specific guidance includes conservation area design guides for Berwick-upon-Tweed (covering doors, windows, masonry, and roofs), Hexham (shopfront design), and Alnwick (rural building conversion and historic timber windows). Over 14 neighbourhood plans have been made across the county, several containing detailed design policies. Notable heritage sites include Alnwick Castle (Grade I), Bamburgh Castle (Grade I), Cragside (Grade I, first house lit by hydroelectric power), and Seaton Delaval Hall (Grade I, Vanbrugh masterpiece).
Local Plan: Northumberland Local Plan
The Northumberland Local Plan was adopted in May 2019. It is the first single plan for the whole of Northumberland following the creation of the unitary authority in 2009, replacing legacy plans from six former district councils. It covers the area outside the Northumberland National Park.
Emerging / replacement plan
Northumberland is preparing a Local Plan Review with a Regulation 18 Issues consultation that ran in 2023-2024.
70 conservation areas
Northumberland 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 Northumberland
70 designated conservation areas
Northumberland's 70 conservation areas range from historic market towns like Hexham, Alnwick, and Morpeth to remote communities such as Holy Island and Blanchland. The county is home to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1987 as part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire. The Northumberland Coast National Landscape (formerly AONB) protects 138 sq km of coastline from the Coquet Estuary to near Berwick, while the North Pennines National Landscape extends into western Northumberland. The North Northumberland Heritage Coast stretches 40 miles from Amble to the Scottish border. Conservation area appraisals and design guides are available for key areas including Berwick-upon-Tweed and Hexham.
Article 4 directions in Northumberland
6 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Northumberland
There are 5,382 listed buildings in Northumberland. 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 Northumberland's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Northumberland received 2,126 planning applications and decided 1,913 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.
Northumberland's planning service processes around 2,126 applications per year, with an 88.3% approval rate and a high delegation rate of 97.9%. Performance on speed is strong: 87.5% of major applications, 90.9% of minor applications, and 91.1% of householder applications determined within target timeframes. The Housing Delivery Test score of 266% significantly exceeds requirements, with 4,428 homes delivered against a requirement of 1,663. Northumberland has a very active neighbourhood planning programme, with over 14 made plans and approximately 50 parish councils involved in the process. The council is part of the Northumbria Integrated Drainage Partnership managing flood risk, particularly in Morpeth which experienced major flooding from the River Wansbeck in 2008.
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 Northumberland
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Northumberland expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Northumberland'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 Northumberland
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Northumberland delivered 4,428 homes against a requirement of 1,663 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 266%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Northumberland are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Northumberland
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Northumberland 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.
Northumberland decided 790 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 91.1% 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 Northumberland
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Northumberland'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
Northumberland 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 Northumberland needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
Get a comprehensive report for your Lawful Development Certificate application.
£49Northumberland Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Northumberland.
Pre-application advice in Northumberland
Free pre-application advice — Northumberland is one of the few councils to offer householder pre-app advice at no charge. Take advantage of this before submitting your planning application. You can typically expect a response within 20 working days (householder); 25 working days (with listed building assessment).
Pre-app advice is especially 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?
Check in 2 minutes with our free tool — no sign-up needed.
Check your PD rights now →Pre-application advice available only via formal application, not by email or phone. 50% discount for Town/Parish Councils and charities.
Planning fees and timelines in Northumberland
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | Single dwelling alterations or extensions (national fee from April 2025) |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | Confirm proposed works are permitted development |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | Confirm existing works were lawful |
| Listed building consent | £0 | No fee for listed building consent applications |
| Prior approval (larger home extension) | £120 | Single-storey rear extensions beyond PD limits |
| Discharge of conditions (householder) | £145 | Per request to discharge conditions |
| Non-material amendment (householder) | £44 | Minor changes to approved plans |
| Pre-application advice (householder) | £100 | Written advice within 20 working days |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Northumberland and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Northumberland
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 Northumberland is provided by In-house. Area-based technical support officers cover north (Alnwick/Berwick), west (Hexham/Ponteland), and south-east (Morpeth/Ashington/Blyth/Cramlington). Emails answered 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Northumberland planning department
Your building project checklist for Northumberland
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Northumberland has 70 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Northumberland 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
Stay informed about planning in Northumberland
Approval rate updates, Article 4 changes, and local planning tips — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.