You do not necessarily need planning permission to work from home. The key test is whether the overall character of the dwelling will change as a result of the business.
If the answer to any of the following questions is 'yes', then permission will probably be needed:
- will your home no longer be used mainly as a private residence?
- will your business result in a marked rise in traffic or people calling?
- will your business involve any activities unusual in a residential area?
- will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or smells?
Whatever business you carry out from your home, whether it involves, using a room as your personal office, providing a childminding service, for hairdressing, dressmaking or music teaching, or using buildings in the garden for storing goods connected with a business - the key test is: is it still mainly a home or has it become business premises?
If you are in doubt you may apply to your council for a Certificate of Lawful Use for the proposed activity, to confirm it is not a change of use and still the lawful use.