You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable (or porous) surfacing which allows water to drain through, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.

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If the surface to be covered is more than five square metres planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways that do not provide for the water to run to a permeable area.

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This guidance applies to houses, there are different rules for flats and maisonettes, converted houses, new houses or areas where there permitted development rights may be restricted.

Read about paving your front garden

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You may need to consider if a dropped kerb is required, largely dropped kerbs are not a planning matter but you will need to apply to your local council.  

Find out more about dropped kerbs

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Whether or not a static caravan can be kept on your property depends on how long it will be kept there for and what it’ll be used for. If the caravan becomes a new home on the property, will be rented out, or will stay in place for more than 28 days then permission if often needed.

If no material change of use occurs, and the caravan is only used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house then often no application for planning permission will be required. In this instance it may be classed as permitted development, as such it would have to adhere to limits and conditions set out for outbuildings.

If the property is in the curtilage of a listed building or in a conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.

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Demolishing and building a new lean-to will still have comply with planning requirements.

If you live in a conservation area or listed building you may require approval for the demolition.

Whether a lean-to requires planning permission will depend on what the lean-to is used for, it may be an extension, pergola, carport, conservatory or gazebo.

In some cases a building a lean-to will be classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided specified limits and conditions are met. If these are exceeded, then you must apply for planning permission.

Permitted development rules vary based on the type of work you are completing, visit our interactive house mini guides for details on the specific rules.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.

Planning permission is not required for the installation of a stair lift, 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.

Stairlifts must be installed in line with BS EN 81-40:2020 which focuses on safety requirements for the installation of stairlifts.

Building above an attached garage is treated the same as adding a storey to the rest of your home. This is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission provided you meet the set rules and requirements.

You will still need to submit an application for prior approval to your local planning authority.

Read the list of rules and requirements for extending upwards.

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