To qualify as permitted development some household building work projects – notably extending a house – must not exceed limits to the volume being added.  

In England, the volume allowance mostly applies to loft conversions. You can read more on the Planning Portal. 

Use the volume calculator to find out the volume of several loft conversion and extension types.

A soakaway does not normally require an application for planning permission provided it deals with surface water and does not discharge into a public sewer. Additional regulations may apply if you are in a conservation area or within the boundary of a listed building.

Building regulations will apply to the creation of a soakaway. The soakaway must comply with Part H of the building regulations which specifies where they can be located and the size that is permitted.

Read more about Approved Document H.

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You will not need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect a new; or alter, maintain, improve or take down* an existing fence, wall or gate if certain conditions are met. If any of the conditions are not met, then you will need to apply for planning permission.

Find out about the limits and conditions for fences, gates and walls.

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Fences, walls and gates do not require building regulation approval. Even though building regulations do not apply, the structures must be structurally sound and maintained.

If you share a wall with a neighbour, it may be classed as a ‘party fence wall’.

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If you plan to put up a small, detached building like a garden shed, garden room, garden office, annexe or summerhouse (all classed as outbuildings), building regulations generally won’t apply if the building has a floor area under 15 square metres and does not include any sleeping accommodation.

For buildings with a floor area between 15 and 30 square metres, building regulations approval is usually not needed - as long as the building does not include sleeping accommodation and either:

• it is at least one metre away from any boundary, or
• it is built mainly from non-combustible materials.

Read more about the building regulations that apply to outbuildings.

Don't forget to check the permitted development rights for outbuildings.

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Inserting new windows which look similar to those previously used in the house will often not require planning permission. Some rules apply to new additions, for example if they are on an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure glazed and non-opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor.

Installing a new bay window on the front elevation would require planning permission as it is classed as a forward extension.

If you live in a listed building or conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.

 Any new openings will have to comply with building regulations, this may impact thermal heat loss, structure, ventilation and fire safety.

You can use a member of a competent person scheme to complete any work, this will ensure that the work is completed in-line with regulations.

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