Planning permission is not required if the home will be used as a short-term let for 90 days or less throughout the year.

If you plan on using the home as a short-term let for more than this time period, then you will need to apply for planning permission for a change of use.

If you rent a room in your property while you still live there, you will not require planning permission.

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Certain types of development are granted planning permission by national legislation without the need to submit a planning application. This is known as 'permitted development'. In order to be eligible for these permitted development rights, each 'class' specified in the legislation has associated limitations and conditions that proposals must comply with.

One such condition on certain classes of permitted development is the need to submit an application to the local planning authority for its 'prior approval; or to determine if it’s 'prior approval' will be required.

This allows the local planning authority to consider the proposals, their likely impacts in regard to certain specific factors (e.g. transport and highways) and how these may be mitigated.

For more information on prior approval, read guidance on prior approval consent types.

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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.

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Planning permission is not required to move an internal doorway, provided it does not impact the external appearance of the building. If the building is listed, you will require listed building consent for any changes to the building.

Building regulations may apply if the wall is load bearing or is part of a fire escape route.

Read more about windows and doors from our common projects.

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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.