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I’m replacing a window, do I need planning permission or building control approval increase its size?
Increasing the size of a window will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to make the change, provided limits and conditions are met.
Any new window must be of similar appearance to the original which you are replacing.
Permitted development rights do not apply to flats. To increase the size of a window in a flat or maisonette you will require planning permission.
If you live in a listed building, you will require listed building consent for any major changes.
Where the work has as significant impact on the external appearance of the house, especially on the principal elevation, planning permission may be required.
Building control approval will likely be required where the change impacts the structure of a building, this primarily occurs when an opening Is widened. When altering walls you may want to consult a structural engineer.
Building control will also consider energy efficiency, glazing, ventilation and fire safety.
Common Questions
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.
A dropped kerb is a sloping point in the pavement to provide access by vehicle to a property. Dropped kerbs aren’t usually a planning matter although it is recommended that you contact your local authority to find out if planning permission is required, and you will need to make a specific dropped kerb application for a domestic vehicle crossing licence to your local authority.
Work to create a dropped kerb must be carried out by a New Roads and Street Works Act accredited contractor.
An application for full planning permission for a change of use is often required when changing from a house (use class C3) to a residential institution (use class C2). This is due to the increased activity which a C2 use would have on the local street area through the addition of visitors, staff and changes to parking.
Read additional information on use classes and changes of use.
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.
Adding a new driveway to an unclassified road for access to a house or business falls under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
You will have to apply to the relevant highway authority for a dropped kerb if you wish to cross a pavement to access your property.
