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Do I need any permissions to add an en-suite bathroom?
Planning permission will not be require to add an en-suite provided it is within the existing building and not part of a wider project such as an extension.
Building regulations will have to be considered when adding an en-suite as it impacts drainage, ventilation and electrics. It is recommended that you have the work completed by a member of the competent person scheme.
Common Questions
If you do not seek planning permission, build without it when it applies, or do not meet specified conditions of a planning permission, this is known as a planning breach.
Your local planning authority can serve an enforcement notice on you when they consider you have broken planning rules. You may be given the opportunity to apply retrospectively, or be required to remove a building or structure, or alter it to make it acceptable.
Maintenance of fascias and soffit boards such as replacement or painting generally does not require planning permission.
However, if you live in a listed building or designated area (conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty) you should check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work.
Building regulation approval is not normally required for this work, but you should ensure that the ventilation for the building is not impacted.
Balconies, verandas and raised platforms will often require planning permission as they do not fall under permitted development rights.
An exception to this is Juliet balconies which do not have any external access or platform, allowing them to be classed as permitted development.
A raised platform of under 0.3 metres is also allowed without planning permission, this may be an area with slightly raised decking.
When applying for planning permission for a balcony it is important to consider your neighbours privacy and garden. The features and location of the property may have a significant impact. If the building is listed or in a conservation area, then this may have a bearing on any decisions.
Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) which means that, in general, you need the council's consent to prune or fell them.
A TPO is placed on a tree, group of trees or woodland with the aim of protecting them. The following is prohibited on a protected tree, without the local planning authority's (LPA) consent:
- Felling
- Topping
- Lopping
- Uprooting
- Wilful damage/destruction
Owners of the trees must maintain their trees, and an LPA will often encourage good tree management. However, they are unable to require maintenance work just because a tree falls under a TPO.
If you wish to complete work on a tree under a TPO you will be required to submit an application to the local planning authority. For full details on this application type, read guidance about works to trees and the application process.
Inefficient windows and doors can significantly contribute to heat loss. Replacing single glazed windows by installing double glazing can cut heat loss through windows considerably. Double glazing works by trapping air between two panes of glass creating an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss, noise and condensation.
If you can't replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat? Other options to reduce heat loss through windows include sealing gaps or using thermal blinds.
You don’t usually need planning permission for repairs, maintenance and minor improvements or replacing windows and doors that are of a similar appearance.
Building regulations apply to replacement glazing, in terms of thermal performance, air supply, ventilation, safety and means of escape.
Read about planning and building rules for doors and windows
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