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Do I need planning permission to display a sign in my front garden advertising my business?

You likely will require advertisement consent to display a commercial advertisement outside your home, especially when the company does not operate from that location.

 It is more likely that permission will be required where:

  • the sign is over 0.3 square metres or illuminated
  • the sign is visible from a road
  • the building is listed or in a designated area then consent

Find out more about advertisement consent on Planning Portal.

Common Questions

What are Approved Documents and where can I find them?

Approved Documents are official guides that explain how to comply with the building regulations. Published by the government, each document provides practical guidance on meeting the requirements of a specific ‘Part’ of the regulations. They cover a wide range of building work, including plumbing, electrical installations, extensions and ventilation.

The latest versions of the Approved Documents, which support the technical ‘Parts’ of the building regulations, along with Regulation 7, are available on Planning Portal.

Browse the Approved Documents.

Is my house in a conservation area?

The UK Government provide access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can use the online tool to check whether your land is in a conservation area.

VisitGOV.UK and use the planning data map.

(This map covers planning data for England).

If you are unsure you should contact your local planning authority.

Do I need building regulations approval to add underfloor heating?

Whether you need building regulations approval depends on the type of underfloor heating (UFH) you are installing.

Electric UFH must comply with Part P for electrical safety.This work can be done by a member of the competent persons scheme who can self-certify the work.

Wet UFH must comply with Part L which focuses on the conservation of fuel and power. This will likely require building control approval.

Do I need building control to refurbish an existing dormer roof with insulation

Significant changes to insulation and thermal elements would normally require building regulations approval. The extent to which this applies depends on the existing insulation and what it will be replaced with.

If the work is completed by a member of a competent persons scheme, then an application for approval will not be required.

Find out more about insulation and building regulations on our common projects.

What are the rules for installing a septic tank in the garden?

Installing a new septic tank in your garden will often require both planning permission, building regulations approval and a septic tank permit.

The planning permission will ensure that the tank is installed in an appropriate location with information being provided to understand any potential implications for the surrounding environment and water.

Building regulations is required for the installation of a septic tank to ensure it meets the drainage and waste disposal standards set out in Approved Document H.

Where possible it is recommended that you connect to an existing public sewer instead of installing a septic tank, this reduces waste entering the waterways.

For more information visit our drains common project or contact your local planning authority.

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