The Development and Building Control Groups are part of the council's Planning, Regeneration and Wellbeing Section.  They work closely with the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Group to ensure that the development of Worthing is carried out with your involvement; in accordance with legislation; following national and local guidelines and policies and to ensure that such development is safe.

Our web site is regularly updated and we welcome any suggestions you may have for improving its content or ease of use.

Planning Application Search

You can view, comment on and track the status of a planning application using our Planning On-line Service. Simply enter the application's reference here:

If you do not know the address you can search by address for a planning application on our Planning On-line Service.

Changes to Permitted Development Rights

New Rules for Home Improvements

New permitted development rules have been introduced by the Government from 1st October 2008.  These changes mean that many homeowners will no longer need to apply for planning permission to extend their homes.

The Government has introduced changes to Permitted Development in an attempt to reduce the amount of red tape for householders seeking to improve their homes.

Permitted development governs the changes that can be made to an existing house without the need for a planning application to be submitted to the local planning authority.  This does not affect the need for building regulations approval.

An illustrative guide to the new rules is attached. 

Full details of the new rules can be found at the Planning Portal website.

Photo used with permission from FreeFoto.com and Ian Britton