Do I need planning permission to run a business from home?

Planning permission may not be required for a householder to run a business from home, providing it does not change the overall character of the property as a residence.

It is usually a matter of judgement as to whether the nature and extent of the activity is so significant that it constitutes a material change of use and it is recommended that you always contact the Council in the first instance before setting up a business from your home.  However, some important questions to bear in mind are:

• Will my business operate independently from the rest of my property?
• Will there be frequent visitors to my property, including deliveries and/or customers?
• Am I going to need to employ staff to operate the business?
• Is my business going to be noisy or cause disturbance to my neighbours?
• If my business is successful will I want it to expand and grow?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, it is possible that your business will require planning permission and you should contact the Council for advice before proceeding further.

In addition, if you decide to put up a building in your garden for the purposes of carrying out your business then that building will probably require planning permission as well.   You may also need to tell our Council Tax section about your business, and if you are a tenant in your property  you should check with your landlord that you have their permission.

If you are in doubt, please contact us below or visit Planning applications.

For further information please call our 24 hour automated telephone service on 0300 100 0041, or Customer Services on 01883 722000 (during office hours) or e-mail planningapplications@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

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