If you want to build something new or make a major change to your home you will probably need planning permission. If your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you can be served an enforcement notice ordering you to undo all the changes you have made. So don’t risk it and check which projects need planning permission before you start.

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Do I need planning permission for an extension?

If you’re planning work to your home you’ll want to know ‘Do I need planning permission for an extension?’ An addition or extension to your house* is generally considered to be permitted development.

So, you won’t need to go through the additional hassle of getting planning permission for an extension as long as:

• Your extension is no more than half the area of land around the original house (curtilage). The “original house” is seen as it was in 1948; after this date how it was newly built

• Your extension is not forward of the principal elevation or side elevation onto a highway

• Your extension is not higher than the highest part of the roof

• In the case of single storey extensions, it must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than eight metres for a detached house, or more then six metres for any other house

• The maximum height of your single-storey rear extension is not higher than four metres

• Extensions of more than one storey do not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres

• Side extensions are single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house

• Two-storey extensions are no closer than seven metres to rear boundary

• The materials are similar in appearance to the existing house

• Your extension does not include verandas, balconies or raised platforms

• Any upper-floor, side-facing windows are obscure-glazed; any opening is 1.7m above the floor

When it comes to extension planning permission, conservatories are categorised as the same as any other extension, as set out above.

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*Different rules regarding extension planning permission apply to flats and maisonettes.

There are also different planning restrictions for designated areas such as Conservation Areas and if your property is listed. So check with your Local Planning Authority.

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You may be wondering if you need an architect for your extension project. An architect can be invaluable in successfully navigating the local planning authority. A planning consultant or a structural engineer can also help.

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If you want to build something new or make a major change to your home you will probably need planning permission. If your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you can be served an enforcement notice ordering you to undo all the changes you have made. So don’t risk it and check which projects need planning permission before you start.

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Do I need planning permission for a garage conversion?

In most cases, garage conversions can be completed under permitted development rights, especially if you aren’t intending to alter the structure of the building. However, ensure you check that there are no planning conditions attached to the garage – such as that it has to remain as parking. You can do this by checking the deeds of the property. Find out more in our guide Garage conversion: Where do I start?

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Internal alterations – when do I need planning permission?

Nearly all internal works such as loft conversions, garage conversions, new staircases, bathroom refurbishment, kitchen renovation, or rewiring, do not require planning permission. But, do check if you want to do anything to a listed property or you live within a Conservation area. You may wish to get advice from an architect on your designs and they can help to navigate local planning requirements.

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Planning permission for garages, sheds and other outbuildings

Outbuildings such as sheds, garages, greenhouses and some other structures like garden rooms are also considered to fall within permitted development rules so will not require planning permission. Under permitted development rules, you can build an outbuilding or garage without planning permission as long as it’s of a reasonable size – no higher than 4 metres.

If you’re asking how big can an outbuilding be without planning permission, do bear in mind though that outbuildings cannot take up more than half of the land around the original property.

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However, there are always exceptions so contact your Local Planning Authority or visit the Planning Portal for further details of planning exemptions for garages and outbuildings.

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Paving over the front garden: Do I need planning permission?

As long as the material you are using is porous there is no need for planning permission whatever the size of the new hardstanding. However, if the material is impermeable, anything over 5 square metres requires planning permission. Examples of permeable or porous surfacing which allows water to drain through it include gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt. Equally, it is permissible if the surface slopes to allow rainwater to move in the direction of a lawn or border and can drain naturally.

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But planning permission is required if you want to lay a non-permeable material, such as a stone or concrete driveway that is more than 5 square metres.

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Planning permission for windows and doors

In most cases there is no need for planning permission to repair or replace windows and doors with those of a similar appearance. Building regulation approval is required on any glazing replacement work or you can use a registered installer (a FENSA accredited firm for example) to complete approved work for you.

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Listed properties are the exception. In this case, you will have to obtain listed building consent as well as sign-off from your local Building Control team.

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You will need planning permission if you’re fitting a skylight that protrudes more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope or if it is higher than the highest point of the roof. You will also need planning permission if fitting an upper-floor side elevation window that is not obscure-glazed and can open (unless the opening part is 1.7 metres from the floor of the room).

 

Find a local planning consultant near you to help with your planning application

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External walls and roof

For minor exterior maintenance works, or improvements such as painting your house, you do not need planning permission. As always this is not the case for listed buildings. If you live in a conservation area or an area of outstanding natural beauty, you need planning permission if you wish to change the exterior appearance of your home.

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Cladding may be carried out without having to apply for planning permission as long as the materials are of a similar appearance to those used on the existing house.

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If you live in a flat and you wish to alter the walls or roof you should consult the local planning authority before you start any work, as well as your freeholder/landlord.

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Planning permission solar panels and wind turbines

Temporary wind turbines do not require planning permission but permanent ones usually do. If you are unsure contact your local authority.

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Solar panels do not require planning permission unless you live in a listed property. And you must meet the limits and conditions set out under permitted development rights.

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Fences, gates, and walls

Planning permission is necessary for any fence, gate, or wall:

• Next to a road and over 1 metre high

• Over 2 metres and not next to a road

• If your house is listed

• If it forms a boundary with a listed building

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Trees and hedges

Many trees are protected by tree preservation orders and you will need permission to prune them. Contact your council to check if any trees on your land are protected.

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Similarly, you need planning permission for work done to any trees in conservation areas. To find out if a tree on your property is protected contact your local council.

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Hedges can be any height but you are responsible for any hedge on your property. It’s your job to stop them becoming a nuisance to your neighbours.

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Can I build a house in my garden?

If you have enough land, you may be asking can I build a house in my garden. If you’re planning to build a self-contained property, then there are lots of steps you’ll need to take including getting planning permission. Your first step will likely to be to scope the project with an architect.

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