Keeping ‘in’ with the neighbours

If you’re planning to have work done, however large or small, which might affect your neighbours (noise, restricted access to their property, dirt and dust, etc) speak to them beforehand - it can really help the job run smoothly.

This is particularly true in the case of larger building jobs, or where you have to comply with the Party Wall Act (detailed on the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors website - see our Links section).

If your proposed work requires Planning Permission, your neighbours will be informed by the Council and so it helps to give them notice of this.
 

When you DON’T need Planning Permission

In general, Planning Permission isn’t required for smaller jobs, including:
Changes that do not affect the external appearance of a building.
Small changes to the outside of a building eg adding an alarm box or a garden fence.
However, always check with the Planning Department of your local Council before you start any work (see our Links section). Also, ask if the work should be inspected and approved after it is carried out - this approval can help when you come to sell your house in the future.
 

When you DO need Planning Permission

Planning Permission is required for larger projects, including:
Extensions
Loft conversions
Change of use of your home
Dividing part of your house
 
The basic rules are that Planning Permission is needed when:
The proposed extension is closer to any highway than the original property, unless it is at least 20 metres away from such highway. This includes any public right of way including bridle paths and footpaths.
More than half the original amount of land surrounding the house is covered by additional buildings.
The extension is higher than the highest point of the original house.
The volume of the house is increased by more than 15% (10% for those properties within a conservation area).
The volume of a house is increased by more than 115 cubic metres.
The property is a listed building (Listed Building Consent may also be required).
The property is in a conservation area.

Remember - if you do not get Planning Permission when it is required, you may be forced to reverse the work and take your home back to its original state.

Also, you may need to get consent from your housebuilder if your home is less than five years old, as any work may affect the warranty.
 
Building Regulations

Building Regulations are required for most building work and you must obtain this before starting work. You may still need these even where Planning Permission is not required.

Planning Permission is there to protect the character of an area and once granted, is valid for five years. Building Regulations set a minimum standard for any work and are valid for three years.

There are two methods of making a Building Regulations submission, a Building Notice, and a Full Plans Application – both of which are gained through your local Council (see our Links section).