Most garden ponds will fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required. In planning terms a pond will be classed as an outbuilding, to read the full rules around installing an outbuilding, visit our common projects section.

For ponds which are particularly deep or large, you may need to apply for planning permission. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority for advice.

In a listed building you will require listed building consent for any major changes.

When installing a pond, you should take into account other regulatory considerations such as environmental permits or any protected species which may be impacted. Further thought will have to be placed when creating ponds near riverways or in areas of flood risk.

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Maintenance of fascias and soffit boards such as replacement or painting generally does not require planning permission.

However, if you live in a listed building or designated area (conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty) you should check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work.

Building regulation approval is not normally required for this work, but you should ensure that the ventilation for the building is not impacted.

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Creating a new basement will usually require planning permission, particularly if it affects the external appearance of the property. For example, installing a lightwell to bring natural light into the basement may be subject to stricter design rules if it is visible from the street, especially at the front of the property, compared to those at the rear or side.

Because basement construction involves significant excavation and structural work, permission is often necessary. It’s recommended that you consult your local planning authority early on to understand what is likely to be considered acceptable before submitting a planning application. Building regulations will also apply to a new or conversion of a basement.

Read further guidance on basements.

In many circumstances, rules known as ‘permitted development’ rights allow you to extend a house without needing to apply for planning permission, providing specific limitations and conditions are met. If you want to exceed these limits and conditions, then it is likely that an application for householder planning permission will be required.

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You can find information about the limits and conditions, prior approval and the building regulations on the Planning Portal by using the links below.  

Read about planning permission for extensions

Read about prior approval for larger single storey extensions

Find out about building regulations for an extension

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Categorising land and buildings according to their type and purpose is known as Use Classes.  

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A 'Change of use' can be within the same Use Class or from one Use Class to another.

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You will need planning permission for certain changes to the use of a property such as changing from a residential use to a business use. However, it is possible to change use between some classes without having to make an application for planning permission.

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Depending on the specifics of any proposed change of use, including any building work associated with the proposal, an application for planning permission or prior approval may be required.

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