Planning and business

This section is a guide to the planning system for businesses. It provides guidance on when planning permission is required and how to make a planning application. However, it is not an authoritative interpretation of the law. If after reading this section you are still unclear how to proceed, you make further enquiries by email to envprotection@richmond.gov.uk or visit the Civic Centre Second Floor Reception to talk to a Planning Officer.

Planning permission is not always required. Changes to the inside of buildings, and small alterations to the outside of the building such as the installation of telephone connections and alarm boxes, generally do not require planning permission. Other small changes, for example putting up boundary walls and fences below a certain height, can be "permitted development" for which a specific application is not required.

The Environment Agency have produced a useful Guide for Developers which provides practical advice on making developments better for people and the environment. They outline how you can save time and money by contacting them from the very start of your project. You and your team should use them as a starting point for managing the environmental issues affecting your site.

When submitting your drawings and plans elecronically please be sure to follow the guidelines below:

• A guide to submitting electronic files with planning applications(pdf, 41KB)
• Converting CAD files to scaleable PDFs (from the Planning Portal - see CAD guidance)

Pre-application enquiries

We can save you time and effort by going through your planning ideas or problems before they reach the formal application stage. This enables us to give you supportive advice and opinions while helping you to avoid any pitfalls.

Developers can seek pre-application advice by making an appointment with the relevant planning team. View details on pre-application procedures and charges.