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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
Yes, but you will need to obtain planning permission. Converting a detached garage into a self-contained living space, such as annexe, studio flat, or retail unit, represents a material change of use, particularly if it will function independently from the main house. This is because the garage would no longer be used in connection with the main dwelling and would effectively become a separate residential unit.
The green belt is a specially designated area of countryside protected from most forms of development. It is protected to help stop urban sprawl, preserve the character of existing settlements and encourage development within existing built-up areas.
The government are working on improving access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can view their progress here and see whether your land is greenbelt (note: this tool is currently under development).
You should contact your local planning authority to find out if your land is in a green belt area, and any policies or restrictions that may apply as a result.
Maintenance of fascias and soffit boards such as replacement or painting generally does not require planning permission.
However, if you live in a listed building or designated area (conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty) you should check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work.
Building regulation approval is not normally required for this work, but you should ensure that the ventilation for the building is not impacted.
Bricking up an external door is classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to complete the works. You will need to ensure that any materials used are of a similar appearance to the existing exterior of the house.
If you live in a listed building, then you will require planning permission and listed building consent for the change. In this instance it is best practice to talk to your local planning authority.
Find your local planning authority.
Following a grant of planning permission, it may be necessary to make amendments to the proposals that were originally approved. A non-material amendment may be applied for to approve a minor change to the planning permission which does not breach any conditions originally placed on the consent.
There is no statutory definition for ‘non-material’ as it can vary on a case-by-case basis. In general, if the change will increase the size, change the appearance of a development or have a large impact on other considerations then it will not be considered non-material.
Read more about this non-material amendment applications.
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