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Work that requires building control approval will require a completion notice to be submitted to the building control body. The completion notice must be sent within five days of the work being completed, once submitted, the building control body can visit the site to complete a final inspection.
If the work meets the required standards they will issue a completion certificate.
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.
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.
Demolishing a building may require planning permission or prior approval, depending on factors such as the building’s type, size, and location.
Before starting any demolition work, it’s important to consult your local planning authority to confirm what permissions are needed. This helps avoid the risk of enforcement action or legal consequences.
You will also need to ensure you conform to the building regulations around the demolishing of a building.
Planning permission is not normally required to turn two properties into one by knocking through a party wall provided the changes are internal and do not impact the external appearance of the property.
You should check with your local planning authority that they agree, and there are not any previous planning changes or conditions which may have an impact.
Additional permissions may be required depending on the building’s history and their location. If the building is listed, an application for listed building consent will be required before any major changes are made to the dwellings.
The work will have to comply with building regulations, the focus will be on structural work and safety.
Read more about how building regulations apply to internal walls.
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.
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