Planning permission is not required for moving internal walls in a flat.If the building is a listed building, you may require listed building consent.

Removing a load bearing wall will require building control approval as it is altering the structure of the property. You will be required to provide a report from a structural engineer who will provide structural calculations.

Work on internal walls may also affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics. These should be considered during the design process and work should be carried out by a member of the competent person scheme where possible.

Land and buildings are categorised by their type and purpose through a system known as ‘use classes’. A 'Change of use' can be within the same Use Class or from one Use Class to another.

You can find a full list of use classes and change of use scenarios related to planning on the Planning Portal website.

Read more about use classes

Normally planning permission is not required for installing a toilet in an existing area of the property as the change is only internal. If the toilet is part of a wider project such as an extension permission may be required.

If you live in a listed building, then listed building consent will be required for any major changes.

Building regulations will apply to the installation of a toilet in a property, these will cover areas such as ventilation, plumbing and drainage, and size.

Two storey rear extensions are considered to be permitted development, meaning they do not require an application for planning permission provided certain limits and conditions are met. If these limits are exceeded then you will need to apply for planning permission from the local planning authority.

Houses on designated land such as national parks or conservation areas are excluded from the permitted development rights and will require an application for planning permission.

To fall within permitted development rights, the extension should be no higher than the existing house, and where it is within two metres of a boundary, the eaves should be no higher than three metres. 

Any double storey extension to the side or front of the house will require planning permission. You can view the full limits and conditions on our Two-storey extension Mini Guide.

If you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent for any major works to the property.

Merging two flats into one, commonly known as amalgamation is likely to require planning permission as it will impact the local planning authorities housing supply. The council’s views on this will vary from council to council. It is recommended that you contact your local planning authority to understand their position.

If you do not need to apply for planning permission then you can apply for a lawful development certificate to prove that the change is lawful.

Building regulations will be required if there are physical works taking place as part of the amalgamation, this may include removing walls or changing electrics. Visit the relevant common projects on our site for more information.

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