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A council’s planning department, known as the local planning authority (LPA), is the local government body responsible for managing and overseeing the planning system in a specific area.
You can use the search tool on Planning Portal to find the contact details for any local planning authority in England and Wales.
Whether you need building regulations approval depends on the type of underfloor heating (UFH) you are installing.
Electric UFH must comply with Part P for electrical safety.This work can be done by a member of the competent persons scheme who can self-certify the work.
Wet UFH must comply with Part L which focuses on the conservation of fuel and power. This will likely require building control approval.
Whether you need planning permission to install an extractor fan depends on the size and placement of the fan.
For domestic installations, such as a bathroom or kitchen in your house, planning permission is not generally required. If the change significantly alters the external appearance of your home then permission may be required.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.
Larger extractor fans for businesses are likely to require an application for planning permission to be made to the local planning authority. These extractors can impact the local area due to their noise, visibility and odour, as such the planning authority will need to assess the change.
Building regulations relating to ventilation and electrical works will have to be complied with, these are covered by Approved Document F and P respectively.
Read more about building regulations and the requirement for ventilation on our common projects.
A ‘P certificate’ may refer to confirmation that electrical installations within a building are compliant with Approved Document P of the building regulations.
An electrician who is Part P certified is able to self-certify domestic work they complete, meaning you do not have to submit a building notice. To ensure your electrician is Part P certified, use a registered competent person.
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 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.
Adding a permanent wheelchair ramp for access to a home is likely to require planning permission as it will permanently change the external appearance of the front of the house. If the application is solely for improving disable access to the building then the planning application will be exempt from a planning fee.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
All permanent wheelchair ramps must comply with Approved Document M of the building regulations which specifies the gradient, width and surfaces which should be used.