Planning Permission in Rushmoor
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Rushmoor is a compact borough in north-east Hampshire covering the towns of Aldershot and Farnborough. Known as the Home of the British Army, the borough has a strong military heritage with 8 conservation areas and 97 listed buildings — a relatively modest count reflecting its predominantly modern military and suburban development character.
Rushmoor has an exceptional planning performance, with a 97.7% approval rate — among the highest in England. The Thames Basin Heaths SPA creates ecological constraints for new residential development. Housing delivery at 147% far exceeds targets.
Rushmoor approved 97.7% of planning applications in the year ending September 2025, with 298 decisions from 336 applications received.
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What can I build in Rushmoor?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Rushmoor outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (8), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Rushmoor outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (8), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (8), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Rushmoor | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Rushmoor 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 Rushmoor (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Rushmoor's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Rushmoor
Rushmoor's permitted development framework is relatively straightforward, with 8 conservation areas and no Article 4 directions. Standard PD rights apply to most of the borough. The Thames Basin Heaths SPA requires mitigation for new residential development within 5km. The military heritage of Aldershot and Farnborough means some properties are on or near former military land with potential for unexploded ordnance or contamination considerations.
What Rushmoor expects from your project
Local Plan: Rushmoor Local Plan 2011–2032
Rushmoor Borough adopted its Local Plan in October 2019. The compact borough covers Aldershot and Farnborough, anchored by a major military presence and the aerospace industry. The plan supports regeneration of Aldershot town centre and the transformation of Farnborough's business aviation and technology sectors.
Emerging / replacement plan
Rushmoor is monitoring the Local Plan and will begin a formal review in 2025–2026, working within the Heart of Hampshire strategic planning context.
97.7% approval rate
Rushmoor approves 97.7% 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 Rushmoor
8 designated conservation areas
Rushmoor's 8 conservation areas primarily cover the military heritage areas of Aldershot and the older settlement centres. The Aldershot Military Town conservation area protects the Victorian military camp layout and buildings. Other conservation areas cover the pre-military village centres and areas of architectural interest. The council expects proposals to respect the specific military and Victorian character of these areas.
Article 4 directions in Rushmoor
5 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Rushmoor
There are 97 listed buildings in Rushmoor. 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 Rushmoor's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Rushmoor received 336 planning applications and decided 298 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 97.7% 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.
Rushmoor approved an exceptional 97.7% of applications in the year ending September 2025 — among the highest rates in England — with a 97.3% delegation rate. Major applications were decided on time in 88.9% of cases, with householder at 98.3%. The council processed 298 decisions from 336 applications, including 179 householder decisions. Housing delivery at 147% demonstrates strong development activity.
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 Rushmoor
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Rushmoor expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Rushmoor'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 Rushmoor
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Rushmoor delivered 1,039 homes against a requirement of 708 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 147%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Rushmoor are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Rushmoor
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Rushmoor 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.
Rushmoor decided 179 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 98.3% 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 Rushmoor
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Rushmoor'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
Rushmoor 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 Rushmoor.
Pre-application advice in Rushmoor
Rushmoor offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £60 for householder proposals.
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 →Pre-application advice for householder and commercial developments within the Rushmoor Borough area.
Planning fees and timelines in Rushmoor
| 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 Rushmoor and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Rushmoor
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 Rushmoor is provided by Rushmoor Building Control. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Rushmoor planning department
Your building project checklist for Rushmoor
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Rushmoor has 8 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Rushmoor has 5 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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