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How can I find out the progress of my submitted planning application?

Once you submit your application it will be considered by the local planning authority. The Planning Portal does not have access to the application once it is submitted.

You will need to contact your local planning authority to check on the progress of any submitted application. Many authorities now let you track the progress of applications on their own council websites.

Your local authority’s contact details and website address can be found by using our local authority search.

Search for the contact details of your local authority.

Read about the decision-making process.

Common Questions

What is a party wall?

A wall is a 'party wall' if it stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners, for example the wall separating two semi-detached properties.

Some kinds of work carried out to a property may not be controlled by the building regulations, but may be work which is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This is a separate piece of legislation with different requirements to the building regulations.

To find out more about party walls, visit Planning Portal.

Do I need planning permission to add air conditioning to my home?

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.

What are the rules around fitting a log burner?

You will often not require planning permission to fit a log burner. If you are adding a new external flue or chimney then different rules will apply.

If you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent.

The installation of a log burner must comply with building regulations. It is recommended that you use a HETAS-registered installer who can certify the work. Visit the HETAS website to search for an installer.

Read more information around fitting an external flue or chimney in our common projects section.

Is planning permission required for a car port?

A carport can fall under permitted development rights provided it meets certain limits and conditions set out in legislation. If you exceed or fail to meet a requirement then you will require planning permission.

If not attached to the house, a car port will be treated as an ‘outbuilding’. A full list of requirements is available on our outbuildings common project.

Read our outbuilding common project.

Can I install patio doors to the rear of my house where there is currently a single external door?

Installing patio doors at the rear of your house is likely to fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required, provided certain limits and conditions are met.

The doors should be of similar appearance to those previously used, if they are not then generally planning permission will be required.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works.
If you live in a designated area such as a conservation area or national park, then additional restrictions may be in place.

If you are unsure whether the work falls within permitted development rights you can check with your local planning authority or submit a lawful development certificate to prove the change is lawful and prevent any future enforcement action.

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