.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
What happens if I build without planning permission?
If you carry out development without the necessary planning permission, and it doesn’t fall within permitted development rights, you may be in breach of the planning rules. In such cases, you will usually need to submit a retrospective planning application to seek approval for the work already completed or started. However, there is no guarantee that permission will be granted.
Learn more about planning breaches on Planning Portal
Common Questions
You will often not require planning permission to fit a log burner. If you are adding a new external flue or chimney then different rules will apply.
If you live in a listed building you will require listed building consent.
The installation of a log burner must comply with building regulations. It is recommended that you use a HETAS-registered installer who can certify the work. Visit the HETAS website to search for an installer.
Read more information around fitting an external flue or chimney in our common projects section.
If you want formal confirmation that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes, or that your proposed development does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate(LDC). An LDC can be useful in situations where you need assurance that a particular use, operation, or development is lawful under planning legislation.
Read more about Lawful Development Certificates.
Applications for a Lawful Development Certificate can be submitted online to your local council using Planning Portal. You must include enough detail and evidence to support your case; if the information is insufficient, your application may be refused.
Yes, in most cases you can use an outbuilding as a home office without needing planning permission. As long as the use remains incidental to the main dwelling it is still considered part of your domestic residential use.
Once submitted, your planning application first goes through a validation process. After its validated, the formal decision period is 8 weeks. However, in some cases, especially for more complex proposals or if further information is needed, your local authority may request an extension of time.
Understand more about the decision-making process on Planning Portal
Rendering or cladding the exterior walls of your house may fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided you meet certain limits and requirements set out in legislation.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external.
If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Broads, you will need to apply for planning permission before cladding the outside of your house with stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic or tiles.
Outside these areas, cladding may be carried out without having to first apply for planning permission provided the materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house.
If the new materials will not have a similar appearance to those previously used you will be required to submit an application for planning permission.
Read more about change to external walls on our common project.
Ask another question
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
