Improving Your House
When improving your house, be it through building an extension, outbuilding or having a loft conversion, or knocking down a wall to change the layout of your house, you may need permission from the council before commencing work. There are two types of consent that may be required:
Planning Permission
Householders benefit from Permitted Development (PD). The scope of PD was changed significantly in 2008 to enable householders to carry out extensions and erect sheds, garages and outbuildings, subject to certain criteria, without applying for plannning permission. Please note that flats and apartments have no permitted development rights.
The rules for whether permission is required can be quite complex. The Useful Information section below contains links to advice on what types of works and conditions must be met for works to be Permitted Development.
We also offer a free service to advise you whether works to your house require planning permission. Download and complete our Householder Questionnaire (available from the right hand downloads menu) and return it to us and we will advise you in writing whether the proposed works require permission.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations are concerned with technical matters related to the construction, energy efficiency and safe use of buildings.
Most forms of structural works to homes will require approval and inspection under the building regulations. Other works, such as electrical installation and installing windows are covered under the building regulations, but if a competent person who is a member of the appropriate professional body carries out the work they can certify the work and report it to the Council.
The Useful Information section below contains links to advice on what types of works and require approval under the building regulations.
Find planning and building regulations guidance, including case studies, on many common projects in the home.
Explore the interactive house for guidance on common householder projects. The interactive terrace has guidance relating to flats, shops, and basements, as well as other common householder projects.
Guidance for householders on planning and building regulation matters for green energy and energy saving projects.
Project Guides
Guidance on planning and building regulations for specific householder projects:
General Advice
- Always seek professional advice from an appropriately qualified person before undertaking any works.
- Discuss your plans with your neighbours to see if they have any issues. If your work requires planning permission, they will be informed and have the opportunity to comment on your application.
- Always get 3 estimates for any work to ensure you are getting good value for money.
- Ask tradesmen if they are registered with a professional body. Anybody working with gas installations must be CORGI registered and will always carry their ID card with them.
- Ask for and check references for tradesmen. Ask previous customers did they do a good job, was the work completed on time and to the agreed budget?