What are the rules for installing a septic tank in the garden?

Installing a new septic tank in your garden will often require both planning permission, building regulations approval and a septic tank permit.

The planning permission will ensure that the tank is installed in an appropriate location with information being provided to understand any potential implications for the surrounding environment and water.

Building regulations is required for the installation of a septic tank to ensure it meets the drainage and waste disposal standards set out in Approved Document H.

Where possible it is recommended that you connect to an existing public sewer instead of installing a septic tank, this reduces waste entering the waterways.

For more information visit our drains common project or contact your local planning authority.

‍

Common Questions

Can I change my house to a shop with a flat above?

Yes, but this type of conversion will require full planning permission. This is because you’d be changing the use of the ground floor from residential to commercial (typically to a use class such as E), while the upper floor would remain as a residential flat (Class C3). The change of use triggers the need for planning approval.

Find out more about change of use

‍

Do I need planning permission to demolish a building?

Demolishing a building may require planning permission or prior approval, depending on factors such as the building’s type, size, and location.

Before starting any demolition work, it’s important to consult your local planning authority to confirm what permissions are needed. This helps avoid the risk of enforcement action or legal consequences.

You will also need to ensure you conform to the building regulations around the demolishing of a building.

Read more about demolition.

Is planning permission and building control approval required for removing internal walls in a flat?

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.

Do I need planning permission to erect a veranda?

Verandas will often require planning permission as they do not fall under permitted development rights. If the veranda is raised over 0.3 metres, covers more than 50% of the land around your house, is on the principal elevation or on a roof then it will need planning permission.

You may require additional consents if you live in a Conservation Area or listed building. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority.

For more information about planning permission for verandas and balconies, read our common project.

Do I need permission to remove chimney stack on a property in a conservation area?

Removing a chimney stack may fall under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required provided certain limits and conditions are met.

The permitted development right which covers this focuses on the installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, note that this does not specifically mention removal. Rules in a conservation area may differ, in this instance you should contact your local planning authority directly to understand their position, and if the building is listed, then you will need listed building consent.

To ensure that the local planning authority will allow the removal of the chimney stack you can apply for a lawful development certificate. If approved, then no enforcement action can be taken against the change.

If the chimney is shared (i.e. as part of a terrace), you might need to discuss with relevant neighbour and obtain a party wall agreement.

Building regulations approval may not be required if you are removing the external chimney stack above the roof. If works progress to the internal chimney stack or breasts, then it will require building regulations to understand the structural impact.

Read more about planning and building regulations on Planning Portal.

Ask another question