Adding air conditioning to your home is considered permitted development provided all the limits and conditions set out in legislation are met. The limits set out the size, placement and quantity of air conditioning units allowed.

If your home is in a protected area such as a Conservation Area then permission will be required. If you live in a listed building then consent will be required.

The installation of air conditioning must comply with building regulations. It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice, preferably one who belongs to either the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or the relevant Competent Person Scheme.

For more information on air conditioning, read our heat pumps common project.

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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).

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

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.

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Bricking up or infilling an existing window is classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to complete the works. You will need to ensure that any materials used are of a similar appearance to the existing exterior of the house.

If you live in a listed building, then you will require planning permission and listed building consent for the change. In this instance it is best practice to talk to your local planning authority first.

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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