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Do I need permission to run a taxi business from my home?

Running a taxi business from home will require planning permission as it constitutes a change of use of the property. The business may cause increased traffic or visitors, staff being in the property and external advertising, all of which would have an impact on the surrounding area.

You should contact your local planning authority or the Planning Guidance Service for more advice.

Common Questions

Do I need planning permission for external insulation?

Planning permission may be required for external insulation if it impacts the external appearance of the building. If materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house, then permission will likely not be required.

Listed buildings will require listed building consent for any significant work.

If you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area you will need to apply for planning permission before making changes to the outside of your house.

 

Further information and building regulations advice is available on Planning Portal. Read our external walls common project.

What size porch can I build without needing building regulations approval?

Building a porch at ground level and under 30 square metres in floor area is normally exempt from the need for building regulations approval.

This is provided that glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the appropriate sections of building regulations.

To find out more about the building regulations for porches, visit Planning Portal.

Find out more about glazing and electrical installations

Is there a maximum height for a new dormer?

Yes, under permitted development, a new dormer must not be higher than the existing highest part of the roof. It should also have materials that are in similar appearance to the existing roof. Additional limits apply in conservation areas and on listed buildings. Read about planning permission for loft conversions on Planning Portal

Can I use an outbuilding as a home office?

Yes, in most cases you can use an outbuilding as a home office without needing planning permission. As long as the use remains incidental to the main dwelling it is still considered part of your domestic residential use.

Read more about outbuildings

Do I need planning permission or building control approval to change a bathroom to an accessible wetroom for disabled access?

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.

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