Removing a non-load bearing wall will likely not require building control approval provided it does not affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics.

It is best practice to get a report from a structural engineer to ensure the wall is non-load bearing prior to starting any work.

‍

Adding a permanent wheelchair ramp for access to a home is likely to require planning permission as it will permanently change the external appearance of the front of the house. If the application is solely for improving disable access to the building then the planning application will be exempt from a planning fee.

If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.

All permanent wheelchair ramps must comply with Approved Document M of the building regulations which specifies the gradient, width and surfaces which should be used.

Read Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings.

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.

A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure in the UK that has been considered as of national importance in terms of architectural or historic interest and included on a register called the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

Buildings are listed to help protect the physical evidence of our past, including buildings, which are valued and protected as a central part of our cultural heritage and our sense of identity. Historic buildings also add to the quality of our lives, being an important aspect of the character and appearance of our towns, villages, and countryside.

There are three listing grades:

- Grade I - Buildings of exceptional interest

- Grade II* - Particularly important and more than special interest

- Grade II - Buildings of special interest, warranting every effort being made to preserve them (this is the most common)

If you live in a listed building it means you cannot demolish or alter the building in a way that changes its character without Listed Building Consent.

Read detailed guidance on Listed Building Consent

In many cases, you can build a porch without planning permission under permitted development rights, provided certain criteria are met. To qualify as permitted development, your proposed porch must:

• Not exceed three square metres in external ground area

• Be no taller than three metres in height

• Be located at least two metres away from any boundary with a highway

Read more about porches on Planning Portal

‍