Do You Need Planning Permission or Building Regulations Approval?
If you’re dreaming of a loft conversion, a garden office or finally knocking through that kitchen wall, you might be wondering: Do I need permission for this? And if so, what kind?
Let’s break it down – simply and clearly.
Planning permission vs Building Regulations: What’s the difference?
These two are often confused, and sometimes forgotten, but they serve different purposes:
* Planning permission is about how your project affects the wider area – your neighbours, the street, the environment.
* The Building Regulations are about technical things… making sure that your build meets the national minimum standards.
You might need one, both, or neither – depending on what you’re planning.
When do you need Planning permission?
You’ll usually need planning permission if your project:
* Changes the external appearance of your home significantly
* Involves building something new (like an extension or outbuilding)
* Affects your neighbours’ privacy or access to light
* Is in a conservation area or involves a listed building
But here’s some good news: many home projects fall under Permitted Development Rights (“PD”), meaning you don’t need formal permission – as long as you stick to certain limits.
For example:
* A single-storey rear extension under 6 metres (for a semi-detached house) may – but not always – be permitted
* Loft conversions with dormer windows are often allowed
* Installing solar panels is usually fine
Still, it’s always worth checking with your local planning authority or visiting the Planning Portal to be sure.
Even if your project falls within PD limits, we still recommend that a Lawful Development Certificate is obtained via a Planning application. The PD technical rules are not always straight forward to comply with, so it’s better to be safe than sorry too late. Should you ever decide to sell or re-mortgage your property you want to be able to prove that you have the formal approvals for what you have built.
What about Building Regulations?
Even if you don’t need planning permission, you almost certainly need to comply with Building Regulations. This covers things like:
* Structural integrity
* Fire safety
* Insulation and energy efficiency
* Sanitation, drainage and ventilation
* Electrics
* Accessibility
You’ll need to notify Building Control before starting work, and they may inspect the project at key stages. At the end, you’ll get a completion certificate – which is important if you ever sell your home.
A few common scenarios
Here’s how it often plays out:
| Project Type | Planning Permission | Building Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Loft conversion | Often not needed | Yes, always required |
| Garage conversion | Usually not needed | Yes, always required |
| Rear extension | Depends on size | Yes, always required |
| New windows or doors | Not usually needed | Sometimes required |
| Garden office | Depends on size/use | Often required |
Final thoughts
Navigating permissions can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. A good architect will help you to understand what’s needed, guide you through the process and make sure everything’s above board.
If you’re unsure whether your project needs permission or approval, just ask. It’s always better to check early than to face delays – or worse, have to undo work later.