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Understand when you need to get planning permission

Whether you’re knocking down a wall or building an extension, it’s important to make sure you get the right building permissions. We can help you work through what you may need.
 

 

What is planning permission?

It’s approval from your local planning authority for any changes you want to make to your home.

Your local planning authority will make sure:

  • you’ve considered the impact on the surrounding area
  • that your plans meet design and safety standards
  • that there is infrastructure available, such as roads and utilities.

This is especially important if you live in a conservation area or want to build higher than 2.5 metres.

When do I need planning permission?

Not all building works need planning permission. But you’ll probably need planning permission if you want to:

  • build something new
  • make a major change to your building, such as building an extension
  • change the use of your building.

There are different types of planning permission. You can check which one you need and apply online with your local authority.
 

Governments online planning permission

What do I need when I apply for planning permission?

Before you ask for planning approval you will need:

Detailed plans of your changes

Use a builder or an architect to draw up your plans.

The more detail you give, the more likely you are to be successful.

Completed surveys

These may include:

  • Waste storage and collection. It shows that bin lorries can access and remove your waste.
  • Utilities. Shows how your property will connect to the gas and electricity.
  • Sewage. To make sure you can access the local sewage lines without impacting them.
  • Flood risk. To prove your property is not in a high-risk area of flooding.
  • Building survey. This may be needed if your building is likely to cause disruption, affect the environment or change the character of your home.

Do all your admin

Make sure you’re thorough. If your application isn’t detailed enough, it could lead to problems down the line.

Pay any application or submissions fees promptly. If you don’t, it can lead to delays.

The fee will depend on the type of application you’re making.

Work out how much it will cost you by using Planning Portal's online calculator.

The difference between planning permission and building regulations

In short, planning permission looks at the environment and the building. Building regulations look at the construction and safety of the building.

If you’re removing a wall, working on electrics or replacing doors, you may need building regulation approval.

The rules oversee the structural integrity of a building, fire safety requirements, energy efficiency and sustainability rules.

Planning Portal have support to help you with your plans. You can look at their guides for a full plan submission or a building notice on their website. This may help when you are submitting your plans to your council. 

If you don’t have the right plans and notice in place, you could face fines, legal disputes and your extension may be stopped.

If you use a builder or tradesman who is registered with the government's competent person scheme, they’ll get the certification for you. It allows your builder to self-certify their work and you won’t need to apply separately.

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