Read on if you are conducting building works other than small extensions…

Do I need to apply for Planning Permission?

In a nutshell, your home refurbishment may require planning permission if:

• You are conducting an extension which varies from the specifications described in our Extensions are Easier than Ever page

• You want to make additions or extensions to your property that differ from the above laws (especially if your property is a listed building).
  

• You want to challenge the existing terms of the original planning permission for your property.

• You want to divide off part of your property to create a separate property. 

• You want to build a parking place for commercial vehicles.

• The work you want to do obstructs the view of road users.
  

• You want to develop a separate building in your garden.
  

• You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use.

Who Do I Ask?

If you are considering building work on your property and want to know if you require planning permission or to enquire about building regulations, contact your local councils planning department. You can also go to planningportal.gov.co.uk. This site has a comprehensive guide to planning and lots of good advice plus you can submit an online application for planning permission through your local councils planning department. It also has an impressive interactive 3D diagram of a house that upon clicking certain features will tell you if you need planning permission or building control to change them. For commercial planning permission advice and information on land, property, construction and related environmental knowledge, visit the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor's website at rics.org.

Caution!

The responsibility for having planning permission rests with you. If you commence work without planning permission your local authority may ask you to make a retrospective planning application. This does not guarantee you permission and you may be asked to stop work and reverse the work you have done. This can be a costly exercise. You can appeal against this decision but if your appeal is denied and you continue to not comply you may face prosecution.