Planning Permission in Surrey Heath
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Surrey Heath sits in the north-west corner of Surrey, centred on Camberley, Frimley, and Bagshot. The borough includes significant heathland — part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) — alongside suburban residential areas and Green Belt countryside. The military heritage of the area is reflected in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and associated development.
With 11 conservation areas, Green Belt, the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, and 191 listed buildings, the borough's planning environment is shaped by both heritage and ecological considerations. The council approved 84.9% of applications in the year ending September 2025.
This guide covers permitted development rights, planning fees, and the application process for homeowners across Surrey Heath — from suburban properties in Camberley to Green Belt homes and properties near heathland.
Planning a project in Surrey Heath? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to Surrey Heath.
Free check — no account required
What can I build in Surrey Heath?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Most of Surrey Heath outside protected zones | Properties near boundaries or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (11), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Most of Surrey Heath outside protected zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas (11), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (11), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners or Green Belt fringe areas | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Surrey Heath | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Most of Surrey Heath 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 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 Surrey Heath (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Surrey Heath's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Surrey Heath
Surrey Heath's planning is shaped by Green Belt, the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, and 11 conservation areas. Green Belt properties must ensure extensions are not disproportionate. New residential development within 400m of the SPA is generally restricted, and development within 5km requires mitigation for recreational impacts on heathland bird species. In urban Camberley and residential areas outside protected zones, standard PD rights apply.
What Surrey Heath expects from your project
Local design guidance
- Western Urban Area Character SPD
Local Plan: Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies 2012–2028
Surrey Heath adopted its Core Strategy and Development Management Policies document in February 2012. The borough is centred on Camberley and includes significant military land at Deepcut and Blackwater Valley. Much of the borough is covered by Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) mitigation requirements arising from the Thames Basin Heaths SPA.
Emerging / replacement plan
Surrey Heath is preparing a new Local Plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022–2023, with a Regulation 19 Pre-Submission plan anticipated in 2025.
Conservation areas in Surrey Heath
11 designated conservation areas
Surrey Heath's 11 conservation areas include Bagshot village, parts of Camberley, and several areas with distinctive Victorian and Edwardian character linked to the military presence. With 191 listed buildings — including elements of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst — the heritage is focused but well-protected. The conservation areas preserve the character of the borough's most historic streets and buildings.
Article 4 directions in Surrey Heath
1 Article 4 direction area
Listed buildings in Surrey Heath
There are 191 listed buildings in Surrey Heath. 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 Surrey Heath's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Surrey Heath received 763 planning applications and decided 635 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 84.9% 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.
Surrey Heath processed planning decisions with an 84.9% approval rate in the year ending September 2025. The slightly below-average rate reflects Green Belt constraints and the complexities of development near the Thames Basin Heaths SPA. Pre-application advice is recommended, particularly for properties affected by ecological designations.
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 Surrey Heath
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Surrey Heath expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Surrey Heath'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 Surrey Heath
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Surrey Heath delivered 1,168 homes against a requirement of 761 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 153%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Surrey Heath are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Surrey Heath
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Surrey Heath 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.
Surrey Heath decided 441 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 88.7% 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 Surrey Heath
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Surrey Heath'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
Surrey Heath 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 Surrey Heath needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
Get a comprehensive report for your Lawful Development Certificate application.
£49Surrey Heath Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Surrey Heath.
Pre-application advice in Surrey Heath
Surrey Heath offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is From £150 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?
Check in 2 minutes with our free tool — no sign-up needed.
Check your PD rights now →Surrey Heath offers pre-application advice for all types of development. Recommended for Green Belt properties and proposals near Thames Basin Heaths SPA.
Planning fees and timelines in Surrey Heath
| 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 Surrey Heath and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Surrey Heath
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 Surrey Heath is provided by Surrey Heath Borough Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Surrey Heath planning department
Your building project checklist for Surrey Heath
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Surrey Heath has 11 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Surrey Heath has 1 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 Surrey Heath
Approval rate updates, Article 4 changes, and local planning tips — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.