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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

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.

Do I need planning permission to put a bin store in the front garden?

A bin store is classed as an outbuilding, these fall under permitted development rules meaning they are allowed as long as they adhere to a set list of rules. However, one of these rules is that outbuildings cannot be placed in front of the principal elevation*. As such, you will be required to apply for planning permission to build a bin store or any permanent structure in your front garden.

Read more about the rules for outbuildings.

Principle elevation - The most visible or prominent side of a structure, typically facing a street or public area. While often considered the 'front' of the building, it may not always contain the main entrance.

Do I need building control approval to remove all or part of an internal stud (partition) wall?

Removing a non-load bearing wall will likely not require building control approval provided it does not affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics.

It is best practice to get a report from a structural engineer to ensure the wall is non-load bearing prior to starting any work.

Is planning permission and building control approval required for removing internal walls in a flat?

Planning permission is not required for moving internal walls in a flat.If the building is a listed building, you may require listed building consent.

Removing a load bearing wall will require building control approval as it is altering the structure of the property. You will be required to provide a report from a structural engineer who will provide structural calculations.

Work on internal walls may also affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics. These should be considered during the design process and work should be carried out by a member of the competent person scheme where possible.

Do I need planning permission to change use of commercial property to residential?

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.

Find out more about change of use

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