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What is a designated area?
A designated area is situated within a World Heritage Site, Conservation Area, Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area is protected by law due to its architectural or historic interest or landscape.
Due to this protection, there will be further limits on what you can do to your property if it is within such an area, for example building an extension, changes to the roof, or work to trees. Restrictions will be put in place and permitted development rights will not apply.
If you live in a designated area, you must seek advice from your local planning authority before starting any work.
Common Questions
In most cases neither planning permission nor building control approval are required for replacing grass with artificial grass. If you live in a protected areas such as a conservation area, or listed building, it is best practice to contact your local planning authority to check whether any consents are required.
Find your local planning authority.
You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable (or porous) surfacing which allows water to drain through, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.
If the surface to be covered is more than five square metres planning permission will be needed for laying traditional, impermeable driveways that do not provide for the water to run to a permeable area.
This guidance applies to houses, there are different rules for flats and maisonettes, converted houses, new houses or areas where there permitted development rights may be restricted.
Read about paving your front garden
You may need to consider if a dropped kerb is required, largely dropped kerbs are not a planning matter but you will need to apply to your local council.
Find out more about dropped kerbs
A roof window (or skylight) is fitted flush within the slope of a roof, while a dormer projects outward, creating additional headroom and floor space.
Both can be installed under permitted development but must meet specific size and position limits to qualify.
Also consider building regulations for a new dormer, find out more on Planning Portal
A shed is classed as an outbuilding which falls under permitted development rights, meaning that it does not require an application for planning permission. They can be built in conservation areas provided they meet the limits set out in legislation.
Specifically on protected land, including conservation areas, no part of the outbuilding can be on the side or front elevation of the house.
A full list of limits and conditions can be read on our outbuildings common project.
Planning permission will not be require to add an en-suite provided it is within the existing building and not part of a wider project such as an extension.
Building regulations will have to be considered when adding an en-suite as it impacts drainage, ventilation and electrics. It is recommended that you have the work completed by a member of the competent person scheme.
