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Building Professionals For Home Improvement

Here’s our advice on applying for planning permission. If you’re planning on building a new extension, getting a loft conversion, or simply extending the size of your kitchen, it’s essential to make sure you’ll get planning permission. It sounds obvious, but have planning permission in place before you start thinking about hiring building professionals for home improvement!

How to obtain planning permission

Your local planning and building control officers can determine whether you need planning permission, assess its likelihood of approval, and explain how to obtain it.

When applying for planning permission, there shouldn’t be too many delays before you get an official answer (usually around 42 days).

It will, however, involve a site visit, hence the delay.

There is no hard and fast rule on planning permission as each local authority has its own guidelines – which can be found under the Local Plan.

There are, however, general rules for UK house extensions depending on the size of your planned renovation and where it is.

You may be fortunate enough to not require planning permission!

Rights of permitted development

A single-storey rear extension in a detached home must be within eight metres of the original house wall (six metres if the house is semi-detached or terraced).

If you want a larger extension, then you will have to apply for planning permission.

Planning permission for different house types

An extension in a flat or maisonette (including a loft conversion) may require planning permission.

A full list of permitted developments is available in the act: Legislation: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 which was amended in 2013.

Bear in mind that restrictive covenants may prevent you from taking on any major building work – so it’s vital you check. 

Planning permission for houses in conservation areas

If your home is ‘listed’ and sits in or overlooks a conservation area (such as a national park), you must obtain planning permission.

If you fail to apply and proceed with the build, authorities take it very seriously. You could end up in court facing a considerable fine and may even have to remove the extension.

Each local authority has a planning officer who can advise on building in conservation areas.

How to apply for planning permission

If you require planning permission, you will have to send your local authority a written description of your planned extension. Include a scale drawing of your plans.

This should include its length and height, as well as the layout and the addresses of any adjoining properties.

You also need to include the developer’s contact details.

Expect to pay around £170 for this (the cost varies depending on where you live).

The council’s decision will depend on planning law as well as the impact your extension could have on neighbours.

The authorities will inform the nearest neighbors and give them 21 days to object.

If planning application is refused, there is an appeal process you can go through.

What are building regulations?

Building regulations operate independently from planning regulations, so you must consider them when planning work on your property.

You must obtain approval when your building work involves:

  • Electrics
  • Plumbing
  • Fixed air conditioning
  • Replacement windows
  • Roof coverings on pitched and flat roofs
  • Heating

The above list isn’t exhaustive so it’s worth checking beforehand with your local authority’s building control department that you don’t require approval for other works.

Once the department conducts an inspection, it will issue a completion certificate.

People often forget this, but it’s vital because when you sell, you’ll need to provide the necessary documents to show your work complies with regulations.

If you’re in a leasehold property and want to change the structure, you will need to apply to your landlord or freeholder for a licence to alter.

Landlords must consider “reasonable” requests.

Do I need a party wall agreement?

If you plan on building an extension using a party wall, you’ll need agreement with the neighbour who shares that particular wall (it can be either a garden or house wall).

This is because if it’s a load bearing or a main structural wall then it could seriously affect their property too.

If it did affect your neighbour negatively and there was no agreement, they could take you to court for its repair – and claim compensation too.

A party wall agreement should ensure there’s no court action.

Under the Party Wall Act 1996 , you must inform your neighbor at least one month before starting work on the shared wall.

It’s also a good idea to let other neighbours know, especially if their property overlooks your own.

A specialised surveyor writes and serves a party wall agreement for around £65. See the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for further information.

Doing some home improvements? Read more of our tips for maintaining your home, with useful advice to help you when you’re renovating!

Are there exceptions?

Asking yourself ‘how much can I extend my house without planning permission?‘ There are some exceptions to the rule, such as if your loft conversion isn’t higher than the highest part of the roof. However, if your property is listed, these rules will not apply.

Architectural Services for Your Home Improvements

Last Updated: January 31st, 2025