Feedback
Back arrow, pointing left

Do I need planning permission or building control approval for damp proofing of external walls?

Planning permission is unlikely to be required for the installation of external damp proofing unless the work will change the external appearance of the building or is part of a larger project.

If you live in a listed building you will need listed building consent for any significant changes, this can include external damp proofing. Additional rules may also apply if you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area.

Building regulations approval is not required for installing an external damp proof course (DPC).

Read further guidance on damp proofing.

Common Questions

Do I need permission for a satellite dish?

Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), you have a general permission to install an antenna up to a specific size on property without the need for planning permission. This general permission depends on your house type and area. Your local planning authority can give you more advice.

What is a habitable room?

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.

Do I need planning permission to convert my garage into a workshop?

If the garage will remain in domestic use - for example, as a personal hobby or home workshop - then planning permission is typically not required.  

However, it’s important to check whether there are any planning conditions, covenants, or restrictions attached to your property or the garage itself that may limit or prevent conversion.  

Read about planning permission for garage conversions on Planning Portal.  

How much does a planning application cost?

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.

Do I need planning permission to replace an existing bay window?

Replacing the window within a bay window is treated the same as any other window. Meaning that the replacement of windows which have a similar appearance to those previously used would not require an application for planning permission.

Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements will also not require an application.

If you live in a listed building or a designated area then different rules may apply.

For more details on replacing windows, visit our common projects section.

Ask another question

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Propose a question to help us make Smart Search even smarter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.