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Do I need planning permission to raise garden level?
Raising your garden level a small amount is likely to not require planning permission as it is likely to have minimal impact on the chances of flooding or overlooking your neighbours.
Increases of over 30cm may require planning permission as a significant change can impact drainage or your neighbours. If the changes are close to a boundary, you should consider whether it will overlook your neighbours or be intrusive.
You should contact your local planning authority to understand whether your proposed changes will require planning permission.
Common Questions
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).
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.
Increasing the size of a window will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to make the change, provided limits and conditions are met.
Any new window must be of similar appearance to the original which you are replacing.
Permitted development rights do not apply to flats. To increase the size of a window in a flat or maisonette you will require planning permission.
If you live in a listed building, you will require listed building consent for any major changes.
Where the work has as significant impact on the external appearance of the house, especially on the principal elevation, planning permission may be required.
Building control approval will likely be required where the change impacts the structure of a building, this primarily occurs when an opening Is widened. When altering walls you may want to consult a structural engineer.
Building control will also consider energy efficiency, glazing, ventilation and fire safety.
Yes, but you will need to obtain planning permission. Converting a detached garage into a self-contained living space, such as annexe, studio flat, or retail unit, represents a material change of use, particularly if it will function independently from the main house. This is because the garage would no longer be used in connection with the main dwelling and would effectively become a separate residential unit.
Adding an internal wall will not require planning permission or building control approval in most cases. If the building is listed, then you may require listed building consent to make a major alteration to the house.
Any work completed should adhere to building regulations, ensuring fire routes, electrics and ventilation are considered.
