Introduction

There are many kinds of alterations and additions which can be carried out on your property without requiring planning permission, click here for help on deciding if you need apply or not. Whether you do apply or not try to consider the following before you start any work;

Your neighbours

If you are planning on having any work done which may affect your neighbours its always a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand – this is never more true than when undertaking a project which involves the Party Wall Act.

Remember, if you ,or any of the people you employ to undertake the project, require access to the neighbours property at any point then you will need to obtain permission first – if you’ve briefed your neighbours in advance this permission is invariably easier to obtain. If you do need to apply for planning permission for the work you wish to undertake then the council will give your neighbours and others the opportunity to express their opinion.

Design

Clearly design is a huge topic in its own right, however the main point to note is that a well designed building or extension is likely to be much more attractive to you and your neighbours and also likely to add value to your house when you come to sell it.

Note; if the property is, for example, a listed building or sited in a conservation area then restrictions may apply as to use of certain materials, or changes to original design and/or features, removal of trees/walls/fences etc. If in doubt its always best to consider using a qualified designer, architect or surveyor.

Crime prevention

When making changes to doors, windows or indeed drain pipes, try to also consider the security aspects of your new design – alterations and changes to your property can make you more vulnerable to crime than you may realise. For further advice on this and other aspects of home security click here.

When do I not need planning permission?

When it comes to smaller jobs planning permission isn’t generally required, for instance adding external lighting, erecting a garden fence or wall, or adding an alarm box. However always check with the planning department of your local council before you start to check if any work requires inspection and approval after it is carried out – this approval may come in useful when you come to sell your house.

When do I need planning permission?

If you are thinking of undertaking a large project then chances are you will require planning approval before any work is carried out. A more detailed account can be found here, however the basic rules are that planning permission is needed when;

• The proposed extension is closer to any highway than the original property, unless it is at least 20 metres away from such highway. This includes any public right of way including bridleways and footpaths.
• More than half the original amount of land surrounding the house is covered by additional buildings.
• The extension is higher than the highest point of the original house.
• The volume of the house is increased by more than 15% (10% for terraced properties).
• The volume of a house is increased by more than 115 cubic metres (4,064 cubic feet).
• The property is a listed building (Listed Building Consent may also be required).
• The property is in a conservation area.

Remember - if you do not get Planning Permission when it is required, you may be forced to reverse the work and take your home back to its original state. Also, you may need to get consent from your house builder if your home is less than five years old, as any work may affect the warranty.

Further information and useful links

• Full guide to the building regulations
• Generic extension regulations & permission
• The party wall act
• Building works topics

• Find a Builder near you
• Find an Architect near you
• Find a Chartered Surveyor near you

• Full government guide to planning permission (planningportal.gov.uk)
• Planning: A guide for householders (odpm.gov.uk)
• Party Wall Act: Explanatory booklet and example notice letters (odpm.gov.uk)
• Building Regulations an explanatory booklet (odpm.gov.uk)
• Your Local Council