This article asks: do I need planning permission? We look at the types of building work needs planning permission to help you decide if planning permission is required for your project.

Bob Trimble is a chartered architect registered with RIBA with 30 years experience in the industry. Trimble Architects work throughout Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston Upon Thames, Teddington and the surrounding areas of London.

Almost all internal works such as garage conversions, loft conversions, garage conversions, bathrooms, kitchens rewiring or new staircases, do not require planning permission.

However, you must always check if you need planning permission if you live in a listed property or within a conservation area. If you want to build something new or make a significant change to your property, you will probably need to obtain planning permission.

If your project does require planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you will likely be served an enforcement notice ordering you to undo all the changes that have done. 

Here a some of the project you do not require planning permission for, providing they meet the permitted conditions and limits.

PLANNING PERMISSION FOR EXTENSIONS

Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, that does not require an application for planning permission, this is of course, on the proviso all the conditions are met.

The rules that govern outbuildings apply to sheds, garages, greenhouses and other ancillary garden buildings such as ponds, swimming pools, sauna cabins, enclosures (including tennis courts), kennels, and many different kinds of structure.  The structures must be for a purpose that is incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house. 

Recently the permitted development rules have been relaxed, and this means that you can build an extension of up to six metres without planning permission. If your house is detached, you are now permitted to build up to eight meters.

See below a list of some common building works that do not need planning permission. You must check to see if you need building regulations consent before you start any work on your property.

You do not require planning permission for a detached garage or carport so long as the ground area covered by the carport, garage and any other buildings excluding the original house is not more than half the total area of the property. The garage must be used for domestic purposes only. If you live in a home which is classed as a listed building, you will likely need.

Listed Building Consent for any building works you want to do at the property. Also, suppose the development is within the curtilage of a listed building unless listed building consent has already been granted. In that case, you might need to submit a planning application for the building work. Your local planning office will be able to advise you and give you all the information you require.

An extension or addition to your home is usually considered to be permitted building development. Therefore, you will not need to go through the additional process of getting planning permission as long as:

The extension you are building is no more than half the area of land around the original house. The term 'original house' is seen as it was in 1948, or after this date how it was newly built.

Your local planning authority will be able to give you any advice or information you require. It is always best to seek professional advice before you start any building works on your property.

In most cases, planning and building control applications are submitted online. You can apply to every local authority in England using the Planning Portal online. At the start of the project, you must decide whether the development requires planning permission or if it requires building regulations approval, or if your project may need both.

You will likely need planning permission if you want to:

Build something completely new.

Make a significant change to your building, e.g. building an extension.

Change the use of your building, e.g. turn your property into flats or a Bed and Breakfast.

If your building project requires 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. It is illegal to ignore an enforcement notice, but you can appeal against the decision.

If you want to find out more information about whether you need planning permission for your building project, you can discuss it with your local architect. If you are looking for an architect in London we can help you with planning permission advice.

Bob Trimble is a chartered architect registered with RIBA. Bob Trimble has 30 years of experience working with residential and commercial property projects. For 4 years, Bob Trimble has worked from his housing association and private architectural practice for clients throughout Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Kingston Upon Thames, Teddington and the surrounding areas of London.