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What are Approved Documents and where can I find them?
Approved Documents are official guides that explain how to comply with the building regulations. Published by the government, each document provides practical guidance on meeting the requirements of a specific ‘Part’ of the regulations. They cover a wide range of building work, including plumbing, electrical installations, extensions and ventilation.
The latest versions of the Approved Documents, which support the technical ‘Parts’ of the building regulations, along with Regulation 7, are available on Planning Portal.
Common Questions
You do not need planning permission to move internal walls.
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.
You may wish to make loft alterations to enhance the storage facilities available or to increase the living space of the home. Converting the loft of a house is considered to be permitted development (not requiring an application for planning permission) subject to certain limits and conditions.
Remember, building regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into a liveable space.
Find out about loft conversions
There are different rules for flats and maisonettes regarding loft conversions. Read guidance for converting the loft of a top floor flat.
Whether you need building regulations approval depends on the type of underfloor heating (UFH) you are installing.
Electric UFH must comply with Part P for electrical safety.This work can be done by a member of the competent persons scheme who can self-certify the work.
Wet UFH must comply with Part L which focuses on the conservation of fuel and power. This will likely require building control approval.
Planning permission is not required for the installation of a stair lift, however, if you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
Stairlifts must be installed in line with BS EN 81-40:2020 which focuses on safety requirements for the installation of stairlifts.
By law, any planning permission granted expires after a certain period. Generally, unless your permission says otherwise, you have three years from the date it's granted to begin the development. If you haven't started work by then, you will probably need to reapply.
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