When Do I Need Planning Permission?
Making changes to your property can be an exciting step—whether you’re building an extension, installing a garden room, or renovating your interior layout. However, knowing when planning permission is required is essential before you dive into any project. Planning permission isn’t just a bureaucratic box to tick; it ensures your construction aligns with local laws, keeps the neighbourhood’s character intact, and protects your property’s long-term value. In this article, we’ll cover when planning permission is required, common situations where it’s not, and how to navigate the process.
What Is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is formal approval from your local authority that allows you to carry out building works or change the use of a property. It’s a way to manage the environment in a structured way, making sure that developments are safe, suitable for the area, and compliant with local planning policies.
Not every building project requires planning permission, thanks to permitted development rights, which cover small-scale works that do not significantly affect your neighbours or the wider community. Below, we’ll help you understand when planning permission is typically required and when permitted development rules apply.
When Is Planning Permission Required?
There are several scenarios in which planning permission is likely required. Let’s explore these in detail:
1. Extensions That Exceed Permitted Development Rights
Planning permission is needed if your proposed extension does not meet the criteria for permitted development. For instance:
- Height Restrictions: If your extension is more than 4 metres in height, it may need planning permission.
- Size and Position: Large extensions that cover more than 50% of the garden space or extend beyond certain limits from the original building typically require planning approval.
- Front Extensions: Adding an extension to the front of your property or a significant side extension will generally require permission, as it impacts the street view.
2. Significant Changes to Roof Structures
For alterations like a dormer loft conversion or increasing the ridge height of the property, planning permission may be required. Changes to the overall height or shape of your roof can significantly impact the appearance of your home and the surrounding area, necessitating formal approval.
3. Converting Buildings into Flats
If you intend to convert your house into separate flats, planning permission is usually required. This is due to the changes in use, which could impact infrastructure, parking, and the overall residential mix of your street.
4. Properties in Conservation Areas
If your property is within a conservation area, there are additional rules that apply to protect the character of the location. Even projects that fall under standard permitted development may require planning permission. For instance, demolishing a garden wall, altering doors and windows, or adding an extension will often need approval in conservation areas.
5. Listed Buildings
If your property is a listed building, you will need permission for almost all types of changes, regardless of their scale. This could be internal modifications, external changes, or even repainting. The purpose of these rules is to maintain the property’s historical and architectural significance.
6. Changing the Use of Land or Buildings
Changing the use of your property may also require planning permission. For example, converting a garage into a living space or switching from residential to commercial use are changes that must be approved by your local authority to ensure they align with local zoning laws.
7. Major Structural Alterations
If you’re making substantial changes, such as removing structural walls or adding new floors, you will need to obtain planning permission. This type of work could impact the stability of the building, neighbouring properties, or the local environment, so it needs formal oversight.
When Don’t You Need Planning Permission?
In some cases, you can proceed without planning permission under permitted development rights. These allow homeowners to carry out certain minor projects that don’t dramatically alter the property’s appearance or cause disruption. Here are some examples:
1. Small Extensions and Conservatories
If your extension or conservatory fits within specific guidelines—such as remaining below a height of 4 metres or not exceeding a depth of 3 metres for terraced houses or 4 metres for detached homes—it may fall under permitted development.
2. Loft Conversions
A loft conversion that doesn’t exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached houses may not require planning permission, provided the alterations don’t include raising the ridge height of the roof or extending beyond the plane of the existing roof slope.
3. Garden Buildings and Outbuildings
Most garden structures, such as a garden room or shed, will not need planning permission as long as they are within a height limit of 2.5 metres if they are within 2 metres of a boundary and do not cover more than 50% of the garden space.
4. Interior Renovations
Internal changes, such as reconfiguring walls or adding new bathrooms, generally do not require planning permission. However, building regulation approval is still needed to ensure safety and structural integrity.
The Planning Permission Process
If your project requires planning permission, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process smoothly:
1. Check Local Planning Rules
Before doing anything else, consult your local planning authority (LPA) to get a clear idea of what is and isn’t permitted in your area. Each LPA may have unique stipulations based on the local area, property type, and environmental conditions.
2. Hire Professionals to Assist You
Working with professionals can make the planning application process a lot less daunting. Companies like Surv Essex can help prepare the detailed drawings you need, which must be submitted as part of your application. They also understand local planning policies and can ensure your submission is accurate and thorough.
3. Submit the Application
Your planning application will need to include detailed plans, elevations, and other documents like environmental assessments if required. Submit these documents along with an application form and the associated fee to your LPA.
4. Wait for Approval
The planning authority usually takes about 8 weeks to decide on a planning application. During this time, neighbours and other interested parties may be consulted. In some cases, the application can be fast-tracked, though this is often more costly.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Planning Permission?
If you proceed with your project without the required planning permission, you risk the local authority serving an enforcement notice. This could mean halting construction or even demolishing the completed work. This scenario is costly and stressful, so it’s always better to check and double-check if you need planning permission before breaking ground.
When Do I Need Planning Permission?
Understanding when you need planning permission is crucial for ensuring your project runs smoothly without any legal hitches. From large extensions to changes in use and listed properties, planning permission protects the interests of both the community and property owners.
When in doubt, consulting your local planning authority or enlisting the help of planning specialists like Surv Essex can make all the difference. The Planning Playbook on our website offers a range of resources to guide you through the process, helping you decide whether your project needs planning permission and how to go about obtaining it.