Working from Home
You do not necessarily need planning permission to work from home. The key test is whether the overall character of the dwelling will change as a result of the business. If the answer to any of the following questions is "yes", then permission will probably be needed:
- Will your home no longer be used mainly as a private residence?
- Will your business result in a marked rise in traffic or people calling?
- Will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
- Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or smells?
- Will you need to extend your house specifically to accommodate the new business?
Whatever business you wish to carry out from your home, whether it involves using part of it for "bed and breakfast" accommodation, using a room as your personal office, providing a childminding service, using rooms for hairdressing, dressmaking or music teaching, or using buildings in the garden for repairing cars or storing goods connected with a business – the key test is: is it still mainly a home or has it become business premises where the business use is having a noticeable impact on the character of the neighbourhood?To avoid any doubt on this type of issue, you may wish to write in to the planning department with details of your proposal and then further detailed advice can be given.