Do I need Planning Permission for Home Improvements in the UK?

A Complete Legal Guide

What are the legal considerations when it comes to making alterations or improvements to your home? Do you know when you need to apply for planning permission or building regulations consent?

Our guide is designed to help you understand the legal aspects of making home improvements and changes to your property.

What should you consider before carrying out Building Works?

Regardless of the size and nature of the project you have in mind for your home, if you’re planning to structurally alter the interior or exterior of your property, there are certain checks you should make before starting the work.

To ensure you meet any and all legal requirements of your home improvement project, there are many things to consider. The process is more complex than TV home improvement stars make us think – it’s not a matter of whacking a hammer to a wall, but rather sussing out what’s needed before work can begin, and what’s needed both during and after completion. This is because paperwork is key to staying compliant and having everything you need when you come to sell your property.

As a guide, the following should be considered before you even start looking for builders to alter or improve your home:

Planning Permission

Do you need planning permission for the work you want to do to your home?

If you’re unsure, it’s worth knowing that homes in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation Area need planning consent for most exterior alterations or additions. Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 details what ‘development’ means, and highlights that property structural changes, land use changes, and large extensions most likely need consent.

It might be that your planned building works fall under Permitted Development Rights – you can apply to your local planning authority for a Certificate of Lawful Development to make sure you’re covered legally. Make sure you check before starting work as some areas have restrictions on these rights as the rules vary from region to region.

Listed Building Consent

If your home is listed Grade I or Grade II then you will need Listed Building Consent to make any changes to its interior or exterior. Applications are made to the local planning authority. It is a criminal offence not to seek Listed Building Consent when needed.

Lease Restrictions

If your property is leasehold, check with your landlord or management company whether consent is needed for any alterations or extensions. Every lease is different and sometimes consent is needed from a landlord even for minor alterations – which is why it’s always worth checking.

Covenants

Check the wording of your property’s title deeds as occasionally consent is needed from a third party before any work can go ahead.

Estate Management Schemes

If your property is covered by one of these schemes, you might need consent from the scheme holder to make any alterations to the exterior of the building.

Party Wall Act Notices

If your planned work is close to a party wall with a neighbour or you plan to carry out work to a party wall, you might need a Party Wall Act Notice to legally proceed.

Building Regulations

If the work on your property is structural or you want to carry out extensive alterations to the building, Building Regulations Consent will likely be needed. You will also need a Completion Certificate at the end.

Make sure you keep the certificates safe as they will be needed if you sell your property in the future.

Some professionals can self-certify for the work they do and provide a valid certificate as a result. Usually, work carried out by a qualified professional can be self-certified for various works, including boiler installation, heating systems, plumbing, air conditioning units, and electrical installations.

Documents

If any of the work you want to carry out on your home needs consent or certificates, make sure you keep all related documents safe. It’s a good idea to make copies of the documents too, as they will be needed if you sell your home in the future.

Helping you with your Planning Permission

If you’re considering improving or altering your home, it’s important you check the rules and regulations regarding this so you can plan ahead and complete the works legally.  You need to obtain the right consents and certificates for the work and ensure you keep the documentation somewhere safe for future buyers.

To speak to us about your home improvement project or to discuss if you need planning permission for your proposed building works, you can contact us at our Chorlton office on 0161 860 7123 or email chorlton@hlfberry.com or at our Failsworth office on 0161 681 4005 or email failsworth@hlfberry.com and we will be happy to help.