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.

The limits and conditions for building an extension under permitted development rules are covered in our guidance on the Planning Portal, and there are other points to take into consideration.

Visit Planning Portal to find out more.

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Installing solar panels on your roof will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided certain limits and conditions are met.

The limits and conditions vary based on the type of roof you want to install the solar panels on and the location of the house. See the details below:

·     On a pitched roof, panels should not be installed above the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney) and should project no more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface.

·     On a flat roof the highest part of the solar PV equipment cannot be more than 600mm higher than the highest part of the roof(excluding chimney).

·     The panels must not be installed on a building that is within the grounds of a listed building or on a site designated as a scheduled monument.

·     If your property is in a conservation area, or in a World Heritage Site, panels must not be fitted to a wall which fronts a highway.

As you have stated you’re in a conservation area, you must apply to the local authority for prior approval. This process includes submitting a form to the local planning authority which ensures that you meet the limits set out in legislation.

Forms relating to prior approval for mounting solar equipment can be submitted through the Planning Portal’s online application service and attract a fee of £240.

Visit our solar common projects page for more details and to explore similar permissions.

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Changing a standard garage door to an electric garage door will not normally require planning permission. Instead, they are covered by permitted development rights.

Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area or there will be a visual impact on the appearance of the house as viewed from the street. If you are unsure, it is advised that you contact your local planning authority.

Work to install an electric garage door must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This can be done by using an electrician who is registered with the competent person scheme.

‍Visit the website for registered electrical competent persons.

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Widening or creating a new external doorway will likely fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided you meet limits and conditions set out in legislation. If the change is on the side or rear of the building it is more likely to comply with planning regulations.

If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.

New external doorways which create a new or widened opening must comply with building regulations as they may impact the structure of a building.

Read more on our doors and windows common project.

Inserting new windows which look similar to those previously used in the house will often not require planning permission. Some rules apply to new additions, for example if they are on an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure glazed and non-opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor.

Installing a new bay window on the front elevation would require planning permission as it is classed as a forward extension.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.

 Any new openings will have to comply with building regulations, this may impact thermal heat loss, structure, ventilation and fire safety.

You can use a member of a competent person scheme to complete any work, this will ensure that the work is completed in-line with regulations.

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