Do I need planning permission?

Household planning rules are complicated, but there are tools we can recommend to help you work out if you do need to apply for it.

We recommend that you use the Planning Portal to find out if your project requires planning permission.

You can find out about planning rules, permitted development limits and building regulations for home improvements and commercial and residential developments.

The interactive house is a good tool to use as a starting point for your project. It tells you what permissions you may need.

Other consents to consider

You may also need other consents, so check before you start any work. This could include:

• Building regulations approval. You need this for most building work even if you don't need planning permission.
• Listed Building Consent. You need special consent to work on a listed building.
• Tree Preservation Orders. You must check if an order has been made to protect any tree your work might affect.
• Covenants and private rights.
• Rights of way.
• Ancient monuments.
• Licensed sites.
• Protected species.
• The Party Wall.

You can view the full list of permissions on the Planning Portal. You might also find some of our planning advice notes useful when planning your project.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to get planning permission and it should be granted before work begins.

If you are still not sure if your project needs planning permission, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.