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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.
Common Questions
Replacing existing render on the outside of your house with render of a similar appearance will not require planning permission as it is considered permitted development.
If you are changing the external appearance of the house or in a protected area such as a conservation area, then planning permission will be required. The external appearance of the house is likely to be changed when you are rending the house for a first time or changing the type or colour of the render.
If the building is listed, then you will need listed building consent.
The green belt is a specially designated area of countryside protected from most forms of development. It is protected to help stop urban sprawl, preserve the character of existing settlements and encourage development within existing built-up areas.
The government are working on improving access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can view their progress here and see whether your land is greenbelt (note: this tool is currently under development).
You should contact your local planning authority to find out if your land is in a green belt area, and any policies or restrictions that may apply as a result.
A shed is classed as an outbuilding which falls under permitted development rights, meaning that it does not require an application for planning permission. They can be built in conservation areas provided they meet the limits set out in legislation.
Specifically on protected land, including conservation areas, no part of the outbuilding can be on the side or front elevation of the house.
A full list of limits and conditions can be read on our outbuildings common project.
In many circumstances, rules known as ‘permitted development’ rights allow you to extend a house without needing to apply for planning permission, providing specific limitations and conditions are met. If you want to exceed these limits and conditions, then it is likely that an application for householder planning permission will be required.
You can find information about the limits and conditions, prior approval and the building regulations on the Planning Portal by using the links below.
Read about planning permission for extensions
Read about prior approval for larger single storey extensions
Find out about building regulations for an extension
Changing from a commercial use (use class E) to residential(use class C3) falls under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required.
To use the permitted development right you must meet the rules and regulations set out in legislation, this includes submitting an application for prior approval to the local planning authority. The full list of conditions is available on the government website, or our online application form will tell you whether you are eligible.
If you are not eligible for the permitted development right, you will have to submit an application for full planning permission.
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