Planning Permission in Salford
Metropolitan District in North West · Last updated April 2026
Salford is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, stretching from the densely urban areas of Broughton, Pendleton, and Ordsall on the Manchester border through the suburban towns of Eccles, Swinton, and Walkden to the rural villages of Worsley and Boothstown in the west. The city is defined by its waterways — the River Irwell and Manchester Ship Canal — and by MediaCityUK at Salford Quays, home to BBC, ITV, and 250+ creative/tech businesses. Salford has 16 conservation areas, 233 listed buildings (including 5 Grade I), and significant Green Belt land in the west.
Salford's development plan comprises Places for Everyone (adopted March 2024), the Salford Local Plan Part 1: Development Management Policies (adopted January 2023), and the emerging Local Plan Part 2: Core Strategy and Allocations (draft consultation closed February 2025, targeted adoption autumn 2026). The city has 3 Article 4 directions — two HMO directions (2018 central wards + 2024 northern/western wards) covering nearly the entire city, plus a conservation area direction at Mines Rescue Station. Salford does not levy CIL, relying on Section 106 agreements.
Salford is experiencing transformative regeneration. MediaCityUK is set to double in size with a £1 billion expansion (3,200+ homes, 800,000 sq ft commercial). Salford Crescent is a £2.5 billion masterplan covering 240 acres near the University and Royal Hospital. Pendleton Together (£650M) is delivering 2,000+ new and refurbished homes including the Phoenix Quarter (485 low-carbon homes to Future Homes Standard 2025). Middlewood Locks delivers 2,215 homes on a 25-acre brownfield site. The city's Housing Delivery Test score of 218% demonstrates exceptional housing delivery, and the approval rate is 90.5%.
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What can I build in Salford?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Salford outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (16), Article 4 zones (3), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Salford outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (16), Article 4 zones (3), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (16), Article 4 zones (3), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (2018 HMO Article 4 Direction (Central Salford), 2024 HMO Article 4 Direction (Northern & Western Salford)) | Conservation areas (e.g. Worsley Old Hall conservation area, Ellesmere Park conservation area, Worsley Village conservation area), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Salford outside conservation areas | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings, Article 4 areas |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Salford outside protected 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 Salford (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Salford's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Salford
Permitted development rights in Salford follow the national GPDO but are extensively restricted by Article 4 directions. Two HMO directions (2018 covering central wards and 2024 covering northern/western wards) remove PD rights for C3 to C4 conversions across nearly all of Salford — only three wards (Boothstown and Ellenbrook, Cadishead and Lower Irlam, Higher Irlam and Peel Green) remain exempt. A conservation area Article 4 direction at Mines Rescue Station removes PD rights for external alterations to 1930s workers' housing. PD rights are restricted in all 16 conservation areas. The city's 233 listed buildings (5 Grade I, 13 Grade II*, 215 Grade II) always require listed building consent. Green Belt land in western Salford imposes additional constraints on extensions.
What Salford expects from your project
Salford's built environment spans from Victorian industrial terraces in central wards to suburban inter-war and post-war housing in Swinton and Walkden, to the rural village character of Worsley and Boothstown. The city's waterfront identity is defined by the River Irwell, Manchester Ship Canal, and Bridgewater Canal. MediaCityUK at Salford Quays represents the dramatic transformation of former Manchester Ship Canal docks into a world-class digital and creative hub. Major regeneration is transforming the cityscape: the Salford Crescent masterplan (£2.5 billion, 240 acres) will create a new innovation district and 2,650+ homes near the university. Greengate (13 hectares at the medieval heart of Salford) features multiple high-rise residential towers and a new riverside park. Pendleton Together's Phoenix Quarter pioneers low-carbon homes to Future Homes Standard 2025 with air source heat pumps and PV solar. The city's industrial heritage includes significant mill and warehouse architecture, particularly in Ordsall, Eccles, and along the canal corridors.
Local Plan: Salford Local Plan: Development Management Policies and Designations
Salford adopted its Local Plan: Development Management Policies and Designations document in February 2023. The plan sets detailed policies for managing development across the city, working alongside the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (now Places for Everyone) which provides the strategic housing and employment framework for Greater Manchester.
Emerging / replacement plan
Salford is participating in the Places for Everyone joint development plan, which was adopted in March 2024, providing the strategic spatial framework for nine Greater Manchester authorities.
90.5% approval rate
Salford approves 90.5% 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 Salford
16 designated conservation areas
Salford has 16 conservation areas protecting the city's diverse heritage. Worsley Village (designated 1969, extended 2007) is the birthplace of Britain's canal network — centred on the Bridgewater Canal delph, the entrance to the Duke of Bridgewater's underground canal and mining system (a Scheduled Ancient Monument). The Crescent (designated 2008) covers the area around the University of Salford, subject of the £2.5 billion masterplan. Cathedral conservation area (designated 1972) protects one of the oldest parts of the city around Salford Cathedral. Barton-upon-Irwell includes the Grade II* Barton Swing Aqueduct. Notable Grade I buildings include Ordsall Hall (14th/16th century timber-framed manor, now a museum), Wardley Hall (c.1500, residence of the RC Bishop of Salford), Church of St Augustine, Pendlebury (George Frederick Bodley, 1874), Church of St Mark, Worsley (George Gilbert Scott, 1846), and Church of St Mary the Virgin, Eccles (13th century origins).
Article 4 directions in Salford
3 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Salford
There are 233 listed buildings in Salford. 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 Salford's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Salford received 1,045 planning applications and decided 797 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 90.5% 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.
Salford's Housing Delivery Test score of 218% (2023 measurement) demonstrates exceptional housing delivery — 7,945 homes delivered against a requirement of 3,638, with no adverse consequences. The city's approval rate is 90.5%, with 97% of major applications and 96.8% of householder applications decided on time. The delegation rate is 95.4%. Salford does not levy CIL, relying on Section 106 agreements for developer contributions. No neighbourhood plans have been adopted in Salford. Historic England awarded £50,000 in 2025 for a comprehensive review of all 16 conservation areas, with community consultation launching summer 2026.
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 Salford
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Salford expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Salford'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 Salford
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Salford delivered 7,945 homes against a requirement of 3,638 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 218%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Salford are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Salford
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Salford 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.
Salford decided 433 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 96.8% 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 Salford
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Salford'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
Salford 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 Salford.
Pre-application advice in Salford
Salford offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is Three-tier fixed fee system for major and minor development (excluding householder). Householder pre-application enquiries may be handled through the general planning enquiry service. Fees of £3,000 or less by card, above £3,000 by bank transfer.. You can typically expect a response within 30 working days (unless a longer period is agreed in writing).
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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Check your PD rights now →Consultees can be invited to comment and meetings with case officers/key consultees can be arranged at additional cost. A general 'do I need planning permission?' enquiry service is available for householders.
Planning fees and timelines in Salford
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning permission | £528 | 8-week determination target. Salford's householder on-time rate is 96.8%. |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | Confirms proposed works are permitted development. Recommended in conservation areas (16 in Salford) and for properties in HMO Article 4 areas. |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | Confirms existing works or use are lawful. Useful when selling property with undocumented alterations. |
| Listed building consent | Free | Required for any works affecting a listed building's character. Salford has 233 listed buildings including 5 Grade I. |
| Prior approval (larger home extension) | £120 | For single-storey rear extensions up to 6m (semi/terrace) or 8m (detached). 42-day determination. |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 per request | Required before commencing work subject to planning conditions. |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | For minor changes to an approved scheme that do not materially alter the development. |
| Full planning permission (no new dwellings) | £548 | For development not involving creation of new dwelling units. 8-week target. |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Salford and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Salford
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 Salford is provided by Salford Building Control. You can use Salford City Council's in-house building control service or appoint a private Registered Building Control Approver. The team offers standard fees for typical domestic projects and individual fee quotes for non-standard work. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Two fee structures: standard fees for typical domestic projects, and individual fees quoted on request for non-standard work. Request a quote online.
Salford planning department
Your building project checklist for Salford
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Salford has 16 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Salford has 3 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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