Do I need planning permission?
It can be hard to know what planning permission you need when you make changes to your home. It is usually the responsibility of the person who owns the plot of land or property to make sure any building work complies with planning rules and building regulations. It is the architect’s job to help navigate you through that process and develop a successful scheme that will see the light of day.
Usually submitted to your local planning authority, a planning application is a formal request to build something new or add to an existing building. Planning officers will assess the design and appearance of your proposed work, whether your project impacts the surrounding area or neighbours, and if there are any potential environmental or safety concerns.
There are different types of applications and not every project will need planning permission. Permitted development rights allow you to carry out certain types of work without needing to apply for full planning permission, for example. This can fall under the category of minor internal alterations, small extensions or conservatories. It will largely depend on the position of the work, the scale and size of your build and the materials that will be used.
However, if you are planning to carry out any building work you will still likely need to comply with the most up to date building regulations. This is the case if you’re creating a new build, adding an extension or loft conversion to an existing building, inserting insulation or replacing windows. The only exceptions are listed buildings where any changes would negatively impact their character or appearance, places of worship, temporary buildings, industrial sites and agricultural buildings. You will need to gain approval for the work from a building control body, either from your local authority or a private approved inspector. They will make routine inspections of the site to ensure everything complies with building regulations. They would typically check the foundations, damp proof membranes and insulation. This is something your contractor can help organise.
If you don’t comply with planning rules, you may be liable for any remedial action, which in worse case scenarios can include demolition and the rebuilding of your structure. We always recommend that you seek the advice of an architect and check with your local planning authority before thinking about any building work.
The Planning Portal is a useful site with plenty of guidance to help you plan your project and understand what you need to consider at each stage of your project. Here you can find information on permitted development rights and planning applications. This is where your architect would also submit your planning application or building regulations approval on your behalf.
