The short answer is yes. There are various forms of permission needed if you’re building an extension, and you’ll need to get them, depending on your situation.
However, some permissions require less effort than others, and if you’re lucky the process can be very simple. And it’s worth keeping in mind that even if the process is not simple, there is plenty of help out there to get you through the process.
To help you make sense of what you might have to deal with, we’ve put together a quick list of the potential permissions you may have to get in order to proceed with your extension.
In certain circumstances you can build an extension on your house without planning permission because of something called ‘Permitted Development Rights’. The rules around this are very stringent though, so you’ll have to make sure your project fits within the limitations. Here’s a quick list of what you can do under Permitted Development Rights:
This is just a small sample, for the full list visit The Planning Portal.
Three important factors to keep in mind:
If your property is within a protected area or it’s listed, your permitted development rights could be restricted, so you’ll need to check the specific rules for your area and property.
And if your property is a flat or a maisonette, then your property will not fall under permitted development rights and you’ll need to get permission.
Whatever your situation, you’ll always need building control approval before beginning your build. This is usually a relatively simple process and by using a company such as Western Building Consultants you’re less likely to hit any snags.
The point of building control is to ensure that all building projects meet building regulations.
You have a few options here:
Under certain circumstances you may find that you also need a party wall notice. This is when your planned extension includes work to a wall that you share with a neighbour, or if your work is within a certain distance and position in relation to a neighbour’s wall.
In general, you have to give notice to your neighbour if you plan to:
You’ll also need to give your neighbour(s) 1-2 months’ notice of this before you plan to start your work.
You can find out more about Party Wall Notices on the government website.
Do you need help with planning permission, building notices or party wall notices? Get in contact with us at Western Building Consultants and one of our experts will be on hand to offer the services you need.