Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need planning permission for an extension to my house?
Q. I have got Planning Approval..What next?
Q. What is the difference between Development Control (Planning) and Building Control? Why do we have two types of Inspectors?
Q. Do I need Planning Permission for a shed in my garden?
Q. Do I need Planning Permission to convert my garage to a bedroom/games room etc?
Q. How long is my Planning Approval valid for?
Q. If I have done extensions to my house, can I still have a loft conversion?
Q. Who are ‘Approved Inspectors’?
Q. Do I need planning permission for an extension to my house?
A. Not all extensions require a planning permission; there are some extensions that are permitted provided that they meet some criteria. These sort of extensions are called ‘Permitted Developments’ but they do not apply in Conservation areas, commercial properties or houses that have been converted to flats
Examples are
• Single storey rear extensions not exceeding 3m (4m for detached houses)
• Single storey side extensions and some two storey rear extensions!
• Most loft conversions provided additional volume does not exceed 40 Cu.m (50 Cu.m for semi’s and detached)
• Outbuildings with flat roofs, height not exceeding 2.5m
The Planning Enforcement teams are getting increasingly pro-active in serving notices on unauthorised extensions; so seek advice from a professional before you embark on a PD project.
Q. I have got Planning Approval..What next?
A. The next stage is to get a Building Control Application. Building Control are the Inspectors that check your plans for building regulation compliance and also monitor your work during construction.
The Building Control Inspectors keep an eye on your builder to make sure that your building is built safely and they also ensure that your home is energy efficient.
Q. What is the difference between Development Control (Planning) and Building Control? Why do we have two types of Inspectors?
A. The two sections usually belong to the same department in your local authority. Development Control aka Planners are particular about the external appearance of your extension and the impact on adjoining properties/neighbours and the environment. Building Control Inspectors make sure that your extension is structurally safe, conserves energy, is damp proof and hygienic. They work to Building Regulations and they protect you from ‘Cow-boy’ builders.
Q. Do I need Planning Permission for a shed in my garden?
A. Yes and No! It depends on the size of the shed, the construction materials, and the height of the outbuilding and your intended use of the building.
Some sheds/outbuildings can be legally constructed with PD rights.
Q. Do I need Planning Permission to convert my garage to a bedroom/games room etc?
A. In most cases you do not need planning approval, all you need is a Building Control application. You will have to seek planning permission if you are in a conservation area, the garage was built as part of an extension to the original house, flats and new estates where the PD rights have been revoked.
Q. How long is my Planning Approval valid for?
A. Usually, three years. In order to validate your planning approval you must commence the work within the first three years of the grant. There is no time limit to finish the work....get on with it sir!
You can extend your approval without having to resubmit the plans, there is a charge of about the same amount for a fresh planning application.
Q. If I have done extensions to my house, can I still have a loft conversion?
A. The PD rules were changed in October 2008 separating the requirements for roof alterations to form dormers and floor extensions. They are now independent (ish).
Q. Who are ‘Approved Inspectors’?
A. Approved Inspectors (AI) are private sector Building Control service providers. They carry out the same function as your council Building Control Section. A bit like NHS vs BUPA where AI’s are the BUPA of the Building Control industry.
AI’s are generally more expensive but they can be more efficient, pro-active and supportive.
Q. I have got Planning Approval..What next?
Q. What is the difference between Development Control (Planning) and Building Control? Why do we have two types of Inspectors?
Q. Do I need Planning Permission for a shed in my garden?
Q. Do I need Planning Permission to convert my garage to a bedroom/games room etc?
Q. How long is my Planning Approval valid for?
Q. If I have done extensions to my house, can I still have a loft conversion?
Q. Who are ‘Approved Inspectors’?
Q. Do I need planning permission for an extension to my house?
A. Not all extensions require a planning permission; there are some extensions that are permitted provided that they meet some criteria. These sort of extensions are called ‘Permitted Developments’ but they do not apply in Conservation areas, commercial properties or houses that have been converted to flats
Examples are
• Single storey rear extensions not exceeding 3m (4m for detached houses)
• Single storey side extensions and some two storey rear extensions!
• Most loft conversions provided additional volume does not exceed 40 Cu.m (50 Cu.m for semi’s and detached)
• Outbuildings with flat roofs, height not exceeding 2.5m
The Planning Enforcement teams are getting increasingly pro-active in serving notices on unauthorised extensions; so seek advice from a professional before you embark on a PD project.
Q. I have got Planning Approval..What next?
A. The next stage is to get a Building Control Application. Building Control are the Inspectors that check your plans for building regulation compliance and also monitor your work during construction.
The Building Control Inspectors keep an eye on your builder to make sure that your building is built safely and they also ensure that your home is energy efficient.
Q. What is the difference between Development Control (Planning) and Building Control? Why do we have two types of Inspectors?
A. The two sections usually belong to the same department in your local authority. Development Control aka Planners are particular about the external appearance of your extension and the impact on adjoining properties/neighbours and the environment. Building Control Inspectors make sure that your extension is structurally safe, conserves energy, is damp proof and hygienic. They work to Building Regulations and they protect you from ‘Cow-boy’ builders.
Q. Do I need Planning Permission for a shed in my garden?
A. Yes and No! It depends on the size of the shed, the construction materials, and the height of the outbuilding and your intended use of the building.
Some sheds/outbuildings can be legally constructed with PD rights.
Q. Do I need Planning Permission to convert my garage to a bedroom/games room etc?
A. In most cases you do not need planning approval, all you need is a Building Control application. You will have to seek planning permission if you are in a conservation area, the garage was built as part of an extension to the original house, flats and new estates where the PD rights have been revoked.
Q. How long is my Planning Approval valid for?
A. Usually, three years. In order to validate your planning approval you must commence the work within the first three years of the grant. There is no time limit to finish the work....get on with it sir!
You can extend your approval without having to resubmit the plans, there is a charge of about the same amount for a fresh planning application.
Q. If I have done extensions to my house, can I still have a loft conversion?
A. The PD rules were changed in October 2008 separating the requirements for roof alterations to form dormers and floor extensions. They are now independent (ish).
Q. Who are ‘Approved Inspectors’?
A. Approved Inspectors (AI) are private sector Building Control service providers. They carry out the same function as your council Building Control Section. A bit like NHS vs BUPA where AI’s are the BUPA of the Building Control industry.
AI’s are generally more expensive but they can be more efficient, pro-active and supportive.
