Merging two flats into one, commonly known as amalgamation is likely to require planning permission as it will impact the local planning authorities housing supply. The council’s views on this will vary from council to council. It is recommended that you contact your local planning authority to understand their position.

If you do not need to apply for planning permission then you can apply for a lawful development certificate to prove that the change is lawful.

Building regulations will be required if there are physical works taking place as part of the amalgamation, this may include removing walls or changing electrics. Visit the relevant common projects on our site for more information.

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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  

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Running a taxi business from home will require planning permission as it constitutes a change of use of the property. The business may cause increased traffic or visitors, staff being in the property and external advertising, all of which would have an impact on the surrounding area.

You should contact your local planning authority or the Planning Guidance Service for more advice.

You can usually put up new fences, gates or garden walls without planning permission, as long as you stay within permitted height limits. If the structure is adjacent to a highway (including footpaths), it must not exceed one metre in height. For all other boundaries, the maximum permitted height is two metres. Anything taller than these limits will require planning permission.  

Read more about fences, gates and garden walls.  

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Rules governing outbuildings apply to sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and garages as well as other ancillary garden buildings such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels, enclosures (including tennis courts) and many other kinds of structures for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse.

If you are unsure if your planned building falls into the category of 'outbuildings' or if you are unsure if planning permission is required, please contact your local planning authority.

Outbuildings are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission, subject certain limits and conditions.

Read about the limits and conditions for outbuildings

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