In the UK, planning permission is required for various types of building projects. The need for planning permission depends on the specifics of the project, including its size, purpose, and location.
To determine if your specific project requires planning permission, you should:
- Consult Your Local Planning Authority (LPA): They can provide guidance specific to your area and project.
- Use the Planning Portal: The UK Government’s Planning Portal offers comprehensive information and an interactive tool to check if you need planning permission.
It’s always a good idea to seek advice early in your project planning to avoid potential legal issues and ensure a smooth building process.
Here are some key scenarios when planning permission is typically required:
- Significant Extensions and Alterations: If you are planning a large extension that exceeds certain size limits, such as adding more than 50% of the original house size or extending beyond specified height limits, planning permission is usually required.
- Changing the Use of a Building: If you intend to change the use of a building (e.g., converting a residential property into a commercial space), you will need planning permission.
- Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: Any work on listed buildings or properties in conservation areas generally requires planning permission. This includes internal and external alterations, extensions, and sometimes even minor changes.
- New Builds: Building a new house or other standalone structures typically requires planning permission.
- Demolition: Demolishing buildings or parts of buildings, especially in conservation areas or for listed structures, often requires planning permission.
- Changes to Roofs and Loft Conversions: Significant changes to the roof, including dormer windows or roof extensions, usually require planning permission, particularly if they exceed specified limits and conditions.
- Installing Balconies or Raised Platforms: Adding balconies, raised platforms, or terraces often needs planning permission due to privacy and overlooking concerns.
- Building in Designated Areas: If your property is in a designated area (e.g., national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), stricter rules apply, and you may need planning permission for projects that wouldn’t require it elsewhere.
- Non-Residential Extensions: Extending non-residential buildings, like offices or shops, typically requires planning permission, especially if it involves significant changes in size or appearance.
- High Fences or Walls: Erecting fences, walls, or gates over a certain height (usually 1 meter next to a highway or 2 meters elsewhere) usually requires planning permission.
For more detailed information on when planning permission is required and how to apply, you can visit the UK government’s planning permission guidance and the Planning Portal websites (Gov UK) (Planning Portal) (Planning Portal) (Planning Portal).
Of course, here at Primary Construction we are always on hand to help you mange all aspects of planning permission for any project we undertake on your behalf. Let’s Talk!
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
