We have been contacted by numerous people who are confused about the sale of plots of land in West Oxfordshire that are being sold with adverts saying they have future potential for development.
Anyone looking to purchase land for development needs to make sure that they are fully aware of what planning permission is required and to get professional advice so they go into the purchase with the full information. Our planning team are happy to offer information and support so please do contact us if you are thinking of buying land or speak to another planning or development professional.
Some types of development do not need planning permission. This is called permitted development. In some areas permitted development rights may be restricted, for example, if you are in a conservation area.
Article 4 directions remove permitted development rights for certain types of new development. We have introduced an article 4 direction to stop changes from offices to residential without first applying for planning permission.
Find out whether you need planning permission on some of the most common types of projects. Common projects include, loft conversions, porches and smaller single storey house extensions.
You will need to apply for planning permission for most major changes to buildings or a change of use.
It is your responsibility to find out if you need planning permission or not.
To check if you need planning permission you can fill in the relevant form for your project, a charge applies:
If your project is not listed use the general enquiry form. We will respond within 15 working days of receiving your form.
Send your form back to planning@westoxon.gov.uk.
You may not need planning permission but you could still need building regulations approval.
You may need to let us know what you are going to do, this is known as prior approval, which is required for:
If your development is permitted development you can get proof by applying for a lawful development certificate. There are two kinds of certificate:
© West Oxfordshire District Council 2025
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