National planning regulations allow certain alterations to be made to a property without requiring planning permission; these are known as permitted development rights. In some cases, local authorities may remove or restrict these rights for specific types of development that would otherwise be allowed. This is achieved through the use of Article 4 Directions, which are intended to protect the character, heritage, and appearance of designated areas.

If your local planning authority has issued an Article 4 Direction, some of your permitted development rights may no longer apply. As a result, you may need to submit a planning application for works that would not normally require one.

You can check whether an Article 4 Direction affects your property by visiting your local authority’s website.

Certain types of development are granted planning permission by national legislation without the need to submit a planning application. This is known as 'permitted development'. In order to be eligible for these permitted development rights, each 'class' specified in the legislation has associated limitations and conditions that proposals must comply with.

One such condition on certain classes of permitted development is the need to submit an application to the local planning authority for its 'prior approval; or to determine if it’s 'prior approval' will be required.

This allows the local planning authority to consider the proposals, their likely impacts in regard to certain specific factors (e.g. transport and highways) and how these may be mitigated.

For more information on prior approval, read guidance on prior approval consent types.

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

The rights only apply if the system provides a heating function (including if it can provide both heating and cooling). If the system only offers a cooling function, then the rights do not apply and an application for planning permission will be required.

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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Climbing frames are classed as ‘outbuildings’ meaning they are classed as permitted development, not requiring an application provided they meet the limits set out in legislation. One of these limits is that they cannot be in front of the house.

The key restrictions for a climbing frame will be the height; how close it can be to the properties boundaries and where it can be located.

A full list of limits and conditions can be found on our outbuildings common projects.

If the climbing frame exceeds any of the limits set out in legislation an application for planning permission is required.

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You may wish to make loft alterations to enhance the storage facilities available or to increase the living space of the home. Converting the loft of a house is considered to be permitted development (not requiring an application for planning permission) subject to certain limits and conditions.

Remember, building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a liveable space.

Find out about loft conversions

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There are different rules for flats and maisonettes regarding loft conversions. Read guidance for converting the loft of a top floor flat.

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