Planning permission is not required for internal changes such as changing a bathroom to an accessible wetroom, however, if you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.

Building regulations approval will likely be required for changes to a make a bathroom accessible, specifically when the change will impact the structure of the room, drainage and electrical systems. It is recommended to have work completed by a member of the competent person scheme.

You do not need planning permission to move internal walls.

Removing a load bearing wall will require building control approval as it is altering the structure of the property. You will be required to provide a report from a structural engineer who will provide structural calculations.

Work on internal walls may also affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics. These should be considered during the design process and work should be carried out by a member of the competent person scheme where possible.

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Increasing the size of a window will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to make the change, provided limits and conditions are met.

Any new window must be of similar appearance to the original which you are replacing.

Permitted development rights do not apply to flats. To increase the size of a window in a flat or maisonette you will require planning permission.

 If you live in a listed building, you will require listed building consent for any major changes.

Where the work has as significant impact on the external appearance of the house, especially on the principal elevation, planning permission may be required.

Building control approval will likely be required where the change impacts the structure of a building, this primarily occurs when an opening Is widened. When altering walls you may want to consult a structural engineer.

Building control will also consider energy efficiency, glazing, ventilation and fire safety.

Installing a new septic tank in your garden will often require both planning permission, building regulations approval and a septic tank permit.

The planning permission will ensure that the tank is installed in an appropriate location with information being provided to understand any potential implications for the surrounding environment and water.

Building regulations is required for the installation of a septic tank to ensure it meets the drainage and waste disposal standards set out in Approved Document H.

Where possible it is recommended that you connect to an existing public sewer instead of installing a septic tank, this reduces waste entering the waterways.

For more information visit our drains common project or contact your local planning authority.

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Raising your garden level a small amount is likely to not require planning permission as it is likely to have minimal impact on the chances of flooding or overlooking your neighbours.

Increases of over 30cm may require planning permission as a significant change can impact drainage or your neighbours. If the changes are close to a boundary, you should consider whether it will overlook your neighbours or be intrusive.

You should contact your local planning authority to understand whether your proposed changes will require planning permission.

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