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You will not need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect a new; or alter, maintain, improve or take down* an existing fence, wall or gate if certain conditions are met. If any of the conditions are not met, then you will need to apply for planning permission.
Find out about the limits and conditions for fences, gates and walls.
Fences, walls and gates do not require building regulation approval. Even though building regulations do not apply, the structures must be structurally sound and maintained.
If you share a wall with a neighbour, it may be classed as a ‘party fence wall’.
You can put one flagpole up to 4.6 metres high in your garden without needing to apply for planning permission. If it is higher than this or you live in a protected area such as a Conservation Area or listed building then consent will be required.
Certain flags can be flown without needing consent, such as national flags.
Read government guidance on flying flags for more information.
You do not need planning permission to move internal walls.
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.
A single storey rear extension can fall under permitted development, meaning planning permission may not be required providing it meets certain criteria.
In terms of height, the extension must:
Read about planning permission for extensions on Planning Portal
Two storey rear extensions are considered to be permitted development, meaning they do not require an application for planning permission provided certain limits and conditions are met. If these limits are exceeded then you will need to apply for planning permission from the local planning authority.
Houses on designated land such as national parks or conservation areas are excluded from the permitted development rights and will require an application for planning permission.
To fall within permitted development rights, the extension should be no higher than the existing house, and where it is within two metres of a boundary, the eaves should be no higher than three metres.
Any double storey extension to the side or front of the house will require planning permission. You can view the full limits and conditions on our Two-storey extension Mini Guide.
If you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent for any major works to the property.
Changing a standard garage door to an electric garage door will not normally require planning permission. Instead, they are covered by permitted development rights.
Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area or there will be a visual impact on the appearance of the house as viewed from the street. If you are unsure, it is advised that you contact your local planning authority.
Work to install an electric garage door must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This can be done by using an electrician who is registered with the competent person scheme.
Visit the website for registered electrical competent persons.