If building works start and planning permission is required and has not been obtained, retrospective planning permission will be required to regularise the development. A 'retrospective planning application' is simply an application that is submitted before permission is obtained.   

An owner or developer should never rely on a retrospective planning application to get unauthorised development approved.  Anyone doing this is taking a considerable risk and may face formal enforcement action.

Our enforcement officers will only encourage an owner or developer to make a retrospective application if they consider that they may be granted planning permission for the development. However, our enforcement officers can only advise on this. The retrospective application will be dealt with by one of our planning officers in exactly the same way that they deal with any application for planning permission.

Planning Enforcement
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444627
Email: planningenforcement@guildford.gov.uk