Merging two flats into one, commonly known as amalgamation is likely to require planning permission as it will impact the local planning authorities housing supply. The council’s views on this will vary from council to council. It is recommended that you contact your local planning authority to understand their position.

If you do not need to apply for planning permission then you can apply for a lawful development certificate to prove that the change is lawful.

Building regulations will be required if there are physical works taking place as part of the amalgamation, this may include removing walls or changing electrics. Visit the relevant common projects on our site for more information.

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There is no single legal definition of "habitable room", as its use and meaning are subject to context. Generally, a habitable room is a space in a building that is designed for people to live, sleep, or spend extended periods of time in, but does not include bath or toilet facilities, corridors or utility rooms.

There are different planning fees for England and Wales, and many different application types depending on the work being carried out.

You can use the Planning Portal's fee calculator to work out fees for different kinds of proposal.

Use the fee calculator (England)

Use the fee calculator (Wales)

While every effort has been taken to ensure that the fee has been calculated correctly, the determination of whether a planning fee is correct is the responsibility of the relevant local planning authority, who will check the fee is correct when the application is submitted and validated.

Demolishing and building a new lean-to will still have comply with planning requirements.

If you live in a conservation area or listed building you may require approval for the demolition.

Whether a lean-to requires planning permission will depend on what the lean-to is used for, it may be an extension, pergola, carport, conservatory or gazebo.

In some cases a building a lean-to will be classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided specified limits and conditions are met. If these are exceeded, then you must apply for planning permission.

Permitted development rules vary based on the type of work you are completing, visit our interactive house mini guides for details on the specific rules.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.

National planning regulations allow certain alterations to be made to a property without requiring planning permission; these are known as permitted development rights. In some cases, local authorities may remove or restrict these rights for specific types of development that would otherwise be allowed. This is achieved through the use of Article 4 Directions, which are intended to protect the character, heritage, and appearance of designated areas.

If your local planning authority has issued an Article 4 Direction, some of your permitted development rights may no longer apply. As a result, you may need to submit a planning application for works that would not normally require one.

You can check whether an Article 4 Direction affects your property by visiting your local authority’s website.