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Hastings · PD check & LDC

Permitted development checks & LDC statements for Hastings

In short

Not sure if your Hastings extension, loft or outbuilding needs planning permission? Buildwise runs a free permitted-development check against the GPDO 2015 for your postcode — and, if you're permitted, generates the Lawful Development Certificate (or Prior Approval) supporting statement you need. Constraints like conservation areas (Old Town, Burton's St Leonards) and conservation areas are detected automatically.

Permitted development in Hastings

Many home extensions across Hastings — Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Ore and Hollington and the surrounding area — are "permitted development" and don't need a planning application, as long as they stay inside the GPDO 2015 limits. But those rights are reduced or removed by a conservation area, an Article 4 direction, or being in conservation areas (Old Town, Burton's St Leonards). Buildwise reads your postcode, flags the constraints that apply in Hastings, and tells you where you stand — free.

Lawful in Hastings — and provable

If your project is permitted development, a Lawful Development Certificate is a formal Hastings confirmation that it's lawful — invaluable when you sell, and proof if a neighbour ever questions it. If you need Prior Approval (like a larger rear extension) Buildwise produces the right statement for that instead. Where a full application is needed, it engages Hastings's adopted policies (DM1 (Design Principles), DM3 (General Amenity)) directly.

Hastings Borough Council — adopted plan & key policies
  • Hastings Planning Strategy (2014)
  • Hastings Development Management Plan (2015)
DM1Design PrinciplesDM3General AmenitySC2Design and Access StatementsHN1Development Affecting Designated Heritage Assets (incl. Conservation Areas)DS1New Housing Development

How it works

1
Enter your Hastings address

Postcode + project type; Hastings constraints detected automatically.

2
Answer the permitted-development questions

Sizes, heights and boundaries — a few minutes.

3
Get your result + statement

Permitted → LDC statement; needs prior approval or permission → the right document for that.

Example (excerpt)

"The single-storey rear extension does not exceed the depth, height and eaves limits of Class A of the GPDO 2015, and the site lies outside any Article 4 direction. The proposal is therefore lawful development, for which a certificate is sought under s.192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990…"

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Hastings extension needs planning permission?

Run Buildwise's free permitted-development check for your Hastings postcode. It tests your project against the GPDO 2015 limits and flags local constraints — conservation areas, Article 4 directions and the conservation areas (Old Town, Burton's St Leonards) — that can remove permitted-development rights.

What is a Lawful Development Certificate and do I need one in Hastings?

A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is a formal confirmation from Hastings that your work is lawful permitted development. It isn't compulsory, but it's strongly recommended — especially before selling. Buildwise generates the supporting statement.

What if I need prior approval instead?

Larger rear extensions and some other classes need a prior-approval notification rather than a full application. Buildwise detects this and produces the right supporting statement.

Is the check really free?

Yes — the permitted development check is always free. If you go on to generate a DAS or appeal, your first document is free too.

Check your Hastings project free — no card needed.

Your first document is free — on our most advanced AI. No card needed.

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Permitted Development check is always free · Plans from £99/month
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