Planning Permission in Test Valley
Non-Metropolitan District in South East · Last updated April 2026
Test Valley stretches from the edge of Salisbury Plain in the west to the fringes of Southampton and Winchester in the east. The borough includes Andover and Romsey as its main towns, set within a largely rural landscape of chalk downland, river valleys, and ancient woodland. The River Test, one of England's finest chalk streams, runs through the heart of the district.
With 36 conservation areas and over 2,000 listed buildings, Test Valley takes heritage seriously. The council approved 92.5% of applications in the year ending September 2025, processing 1,008 decisions from 1,190 submissions. Householder on-time performance stands at 96.1%, reflecting efficient processing.
Whether you are planning extensions in Andover, converting outbuildings in the Test Valley countryside, or adapting listed properties in Romsey, this guide covers permitted development rights, planning fees, and how to navigate the local planning process in Test Valley.
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What can I build in Test Valley?
| 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 (36), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within 3m limit | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (36), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (36), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Houses outside conservation areas | Properties on prominent corners | Conservation areas, listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Test Valley | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings |
| 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 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 Test Valley (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Test Valley's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Test Valley
Test Valley's character is defined by its chalk stream valleys and rural settlements. Properties in the 36 conservation areas — including Romsey, Stockbridge, and numerous historic villages along the Test Valley — face additional restrictions on permitted development. Extensions and outbuildings visible from the public realm may need planning permission in these areas. Outside protected zones, standard PD rights apply, although the council encourages high-quality design that respects the rural setting. Agricultural buildings and barn conversions are common in the countryside, and prior approval routes are frequently used for residential conversions.
What Test Valley expects from your project
Local Plan: Test Valley Borough Local Plan
The Test Valley Borough Local Plan was adopted in January 2016, setting out policies for housing, employment and the natural environment across the borough to 2029. It identifies Andover and Romsey as the main growth centres alongside a network of smaller settlements.
Emerging / replacement plan
Test Valley is preparing a new Local Plan to replace the 2016 plan. A Regulation 18 Issues and Options consultation ran in 2022–2023, with the Regulation 19 Pre-Submission draft expected in 2025–2026.
36 conservation areas
Test Valley 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.
92.5% approval rate
Test Valley approves 92.5% 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 Test Valley
36 designated conservation areas
The 36 conservation areas span Test Valley's most historic settlements. Romsey's medieval core and abbey precinct form one of the largest, while Stockbridge's wide Georgian high street and the waterside villages of Longstock, Houghton, and King's Somborne each have their own character. With 2,092 listed buildings — many thatched cottages, timber-framed farmhouses, and flint-walled churches — the council assesses proposals for their impact on setting and historic fabric. Article 4 directions are not currently in force, but conservation area restrictions still apply to demolition, boundary treatments, and front-facing alterations.
Article 4 directions in Test Valley
10 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Test Valley
There are 2,092 listed buildings in Test Valley. 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 Test Valley's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Test Valley received 1,190 planning applications and decided 1,008 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 92.5% 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.
Test Valley processed 1,008 planning decisions from 1,190 applications received in the year ending September 2025. The 92.5% approval rate is solid, with 95.9% of decisions made under delegated authority. Major applications achieved 100% on-time performance, minors 95.7%, and householder applications 96.1%. Housing delivery exceeds the requirement, meaning no presumption in favour of development applies.
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 Test Valley
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Test Valley expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Test Valley'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 Test Valley
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Test Valley delivered 2,107 homes against a requirement of 1,460 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 144%. This is above the 95% threshold, which means there are no government-imposed consequences for housing under-delivery. Planning applications in Test Valley are assessed on their own merits under standard planning policies.
Lawful Development Certificates in Test Valley
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Test Valley 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.
Test Valley decided 559 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 96.1% 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 Test Valley
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Test Valley'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
Test Valley 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 Test Valley.
Pre-application advice in Test Valley
Test Valley 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?
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Check your PD rights now →Test Valley offers pre-application advice for householder and larger schemes. A written response is provided within 28 days of a valid request.
Planning fees and timelines in Test Valley
| 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 Test Valley and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Test Valley
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 Test Valley is provided by Test Valley Borough Council. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Test Valley planning department
Your building project checklist for Test Valley
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Test Valley has 36 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Test Valley has 10 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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