Which permitted development rights do I have in an AONB?

Many people assume that a property in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has no permitted development rights. That is not correct. There are additional restrictions on some rights, but the answer depends on the particular class of permitted development being used, the property and any other designations or restrictions affecting it.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are now promoted as National Landscapes, although the statutory wording of the GPDO still uses ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’. A National Landscape is Article 2(3) land for GPDO purposes. An Article 4 direction, a planning condition or another designation can restrict what would otherwise be permitted development. Listed building consent or scheduled monument consent may also be required where relevant.

See also our guides to permitted development in a National Park, permitted development in a conservation area and permitted development affecting a listed building.

Yes, there are restrictions – but it certainly doesn’t mean that you do not have them.

This page will dispel a few myths….

What can I do with my house in a National Landscape (AONB)?

Before you start altering your dwelling, check to see if an Article 4 exists in your area. Occasionally one might exist to restrict certain items that might affect the characteristics of an AONB. Sometimes this might only impact the front elevation. Don’t assume that an Article 4 will prevent works on the entire property. Search ‘<local authority name> Article 4’.

You might also have planning restrictions via a previous planning application or when the property was new, especially if built in the last decade or so. If the house was created by a change of use this may also further restrict some of the options below.

This page is a guide only and you are welcome to check the legislation on each page that is linked below to clarify any other restrictions.

Unless specified these rights only apply to dwellinghouses and not to flats.

Extensions  ✅  (rear single storey, no cladding) – More Information
Replacement windows and doors  ✅ – More Information
Velux roof windows (front or back)  ✅ – More Information
Porches  ✅  – More Information
Outbuildings (not to the side or more than 10 sq m if more than 20m from the house)  ✅  – More information
Driveways  ✅  – More information
Chimney / Flue (not on elevation facing highway)  ✅  – More information
Satellite dishes (not on or visible on elevation facing highway)  ✅  – More information
Fences & gates  ✅  – More information
Access to unclassified road  ✅  – More information
Exterior painting  ✅  – More information
Car charging point  ✅  – More information
Electrical upstand for car charging  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
CCTV  ✅  – More information
Solar PV or thermal equipment  ✅  – flat-roof installations on Article 2(3) land require prior approval – More information (also for flats)
Stand-alone solar  ✅ / prior approval may be required  – on Article 2(3) land, an installation within 5m of the curtilage boundary requires prior approval where the development is otherwise permitted – More information (also for flats)
Ground source heat pumps  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Water source heat pumps  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Flue for biomass   ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Flue for micro combined heat and power   ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Air source heat pump  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Demolition of walls or fences  ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings under 50 cubic metres ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings subject to prior approval ✅  – More information

Changes of use in a National Landscape (AONB)

Changes of use can still benefit from permitted development rights in a National Landscape, but several residential change-of-use classes exclude Article 2(3) land. Class G, which can create up to two flats above certain commercial uses, is one route that may remain available where all of its conditions are met. Check the particular class rather than assuming every change-of-use right survives the designation.

Casino, Betting Office, PayDay Loan shop or Hot food Takeaway to Use Class E  ✅  – More information
Pub or wine bar to pub with expanded food  ✅  – More information
Two flats above Use Class E, PayDay Loan shop or Betting shop  ✅  – More information
Industrial B2 to Storage B8  ✅  – More information
C3 Dwelling to C4 HMO  ✅  – More information
Barns to flexible commercial use  ✅  – More information
Barns to State funded school  ✅  – More information
Use Class E, Hotels, Care homes etc., to state funded school. ✅  – More information
State funded schools or Nursery to Use Class E, Hotels, Care homes etc. ✅  – More information

Commercial properties rights in an AONB

You can still benefit from permitted development rights on commercial properties in an AONB.  Check each section for any other conditions or restrictions that might apply.

Marquess for pubs, restaurants  ✅  – More information
Temporary buildings  ✅  – More information
Temporary use of land for 28 days  ✅  – More information
Moveable structures  ✅  – More information
Temporary school for 2 years  ✅  – More information
Temporary school for 3 years  ✅  – More information
Temporary change from Use Class E and others to Museum, Library, Public hall etc.  ✅  – More information
Solar panels on roofs or walls (not on elevation facing highway)  ✅  – More information
Stand-alone Solar panels (not in front of elevation facing highway)  ✅  – More information
Ground source heat pumps  ✅  – More information
Water source heat pumps  ✅  – More information
Flue for biomass (not on elevation facing highway)  ✅  – More information
Flue for micro combined heat and power (not on elevation facing highway)  ✅  – More information
Demolition of walls or fences  ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings under 50 cubic metres ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings subject to prior approval ✅  – More information

Other matters

Demolition of a building of less than 50 cubic metres that is not a statue, monument or memorial is generally not development for these purposes, although separate listed-building controls can still apply. Larger demolition can fall within Class B subject to its own limitations and prior-approval rules. If the position is uncertain, check before demolition starts.

Note that a National Landscape is Article 2(3) land for GPDO purposes. Individual classes may therefore contain additional limits or prior-approval requirements, and rights can also be affected by a planning condition, an Article 4 direction or a separate designation such as a listed building.

Permitted development rights do change. Before committing to work, check the current class and the local constraints affecting the site. If you would like us to look at your particular property, you can book a planning consultation.

Page Updated: 29th August 2026

Conservation, Heritage & Protected Sites