Obtaining planning permission to improve your home can be a difficult task and a complicated one. The core reason why planning permission exists, is to protect the stability of the building and the safety of people, as well as the surrounding environment.

So when should you apply for planning permission? If you are building an extension or adding a window or door to an outside wall, you will definitely need planning permission.

Get planning permission before you make any changes

Other circumstances that may warrant the need for planning permission are if you intend to change the exterior of your house. The reason for this is your plans may have an adverse affect on the neighbourhood and your neighbours. In some instances permission may be denied, because a planned extension might block out a neighbours light or a window might look directly into their property, which would infringe on their privacy.

However there is such a thing as ‘Permitted Allowance’ this enables any property as long as it’s not a listed building to extend up to 10% of the size of the building or 40 cubic metres. This includes any and all previous extensions made which might be a garage or any other kind of extension.

Applying for planning permission on a listed building is a whole other ball game these buildings are strictly protected and in some cases you might not even be able to paint the front door a different colour without it being approved.

Before seeking permission you should also check your deeds to make sure there are no building restrictions. If your property is not freehold but leasehold you will need to check with the leaseholder, to also check that there are no restrictions.

When you’re making internal changes to your house there are all sorts of regulations. These buildings regulations cover the size and height of the rooms to the light and ventilation the room receives. These laws also cover the electrics and plumbing of the building and protect against potential fire and health hazards.

How to apply for planning permission

You should contact the planning permission department at your local authority and submit your plans once these have been reviewed a buildings inspector will look at them and may make suggestions on changes.

The buildings inspectors’ duty is to protect the stability of the building and enforcing health and safety regulations. It is common for a buildings inspector to have to visit the property and make sure the plans are accurate and the work being carried out is in line with plan.

A planning officer is responsible for protecting the neighbourhood and environment. They have the authority to tell you to take down parts of your home if they feel it is in breach of certain planning rules. Their purpose is to ensure that any alterations are in keeping with the rest of the neighbourhood and don’t go against the architectural style of the building if it is a listed building. This could mean using the same materials and colours of the original property.

The cost for applying for planning permission can range from £135 for an area of less than 40 square metres and about £260 pounds for an area of 40 to 75 sq metres. Along with the cost you will need to provide drawings and detailed measurements.

Choosing the right colour

You should be aware that your application and drawing are made public and anyone who wishes to object has 21 days to do so. If you receive 2 or more objections your application goes before the planning committee. They have the right to deny you permission or to tell you to make changes.

Once you have made changes to your plans you will need to re-submit for approval. If you receive the go ahead to commence work and the inspector approves the work you have carried out, you will be given a certificate which will confirm to any future buyers that the work has been done to an adequate standard.

For more information on planning permission and buildings regulations in the UK please use the link below.
The UK Government's Planning Portal