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.

Climbing frames are classed as ‘outbuildings’ meaning they are classed as permitted development, not requiring an application provided they meet the limits set out in legislation. One of these limits is that they cannot be in front of the house.

The key restrictions for a climbing frame will be the height; how close it can be to the properties boundaries and where it can be located.

A full list of limits and conditions can be found on our outbuildings common projects.

If the climbing frame exceeds any of the limits set out in legislation an application for planning permission is required.

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Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), you have a general permission to install an antenna up to a specific size on property without the need for planning permission. This general permission depends on your house type and area. Your local planning authority can give you more advice.

• Houses and buildings up to 15 metres high

• Houses and buildings up to 15m high in designated areas

• Buildings 15 metres high or more

• Buildings 15 metres high or more in designated areas

• Building regulations for satellite, TV and radio antenna

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Balconies, verandas and raised platforms will often require planning permission as they do not fall under permitted development rights.

An exception to this is Juliet balconies which do not have any external access or platform, allowing them to be classed as permitted development.

A raised platform of under 0.3 metres is also allowed without planning permission, this may be an area with slightly raised decking.

When applying for planning permission for a balcony it is important to consider your neighbours privacy and garden. The features and location of the property may have a significant impact. If the building is listed or in a conservation area, then this may have a bearing on any decisions.

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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