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.

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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

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Whether you need planning permission to install an extractor fan depends on the size and placement of the fan.

For domestic installations, such as a bathroom or kitchen in your house, planning permission is not generally required. If the change significantly alters the external appearance of your home then permission may be required.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.

Larger extractor fans for businesses are likely to require an application for planning permission to be made to the local planning authority. These extractors can impact the local area due to their noise, visibility and odour, as such the planning authority will need to assess the change.

Building regulations relating to ventilation and electrical works will have to be complied with, these are covered by Approved Document F and P respectively.

Read more about building regulations and the requirement for ventilation on our common projects.

Raising your garden level a small amount is likely to not require planning permission as it is likely to have minimal impact on the chances of flooding or overlooking your neighbours.

Increases of over 30cm may require planning permission as a significant change can impact drainage or your neighbours. If the changes are close to a boundary, you should consider whether it will overlook your neighbours or be intrusive.

You should contact your local planning authority to understand whether your proposed changes will require planning permission.

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Work to refit a bathroom with new units and fittings does not generally require building regulations approval, although drainage or electrical works that form part of the refit may require approval under the building regulations.

If a bathroom is to be provided in a room where there wasn't one before, building regulations approval is likely to be required to ensure that the room will have adequate ventilation and drainage, and meet requirements with respect to structural stability, electrical and fire safety.

You will not need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect a new; or alter, maintain, improve or take down* an existing fence, wall or gate if certain conditions are met. If any of the conditions are not met, then you will need to apply for planning permission.

Find out about the limits and conditions for fences, gates and walls.

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Fences, walls and gates do not require building regulation approval. Even though building regulations do not apply, the structures must be structurally sound and maintained.

If you share a wall with a neighbour, it may be classed as a ‘party fence wall’.

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