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Certain types of development are granted planning permission by national legislation without the need to submit a planning application. This is known as 'permitted development'. In order to be eligible for these permitted development rights, each 'class' specified in the legislation has associated limitations and conditions that proposals must comply with.
One such condition on certain classes of permitted development is the need to submit an application to the local planning authority for its 'prior approval; or to determine if it’s 'prior approval' will be required.
This allows the local planning authority to consider the proposals, their likely impacts in regard to certain specific factors (e.g. transport and highways) and how these may be mitigated.
For more information on prior approval, read guidance on prior approval consent types.
Demolishing and building a new lean-to will still have comply with planning requirements.
If you live in a conservation area or listed building you may require approval for the demolition.
Whether a lean-to requires planning permission will depend on what the lean-to is used for, it may be an extension, pergola, carport, conservatory or gazebo.
In some cases a building a lean-to will be classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required provided specified limits and conditions are met. If these are exceeded, then you must apply for planning permission.
Permitted development rules vary based on the type of work you are completing, visit our interactive house mini guides for details on the specific rules.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.
Planning permission may be required for external insulation if it impacts the external appearance of the building. If materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house, then permission will likely not be required.
Listed buildings will require listed building consent for any significant work.
If you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area you will need to apply for planning permission before making changes to the outside of your house.
Further information and building regulations advice is available on Planning Portal. Read our external walls common project.
There is no single legal definition of "habitable room", as its use and meaning are subject to context. Generally, a habitable room is a space in a building that is designed for people to live, sleep, or spend extended periods of time in, but does not include bath or toilet facilities, corridors or utility rooms.
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.
Adding a personal or commercial glamping pod will often require planning permission due to the size and permanence of the structure.
For personal use, whether you require planning permission depends on the size of the structure. If it’s placed in your garden, then it may be classed as an outbuilding and fall under permitted development rights. This only applies if it is not treated as a new living space which many glamping pods will be. Full details on outbuildings are available on our common project pages.
For commercial use, planning permission will be needed for the addition, where relevant this will also cover the change of use. An application should include any utilities connections or access roads that will be added alongside the pod.
Due to the complex nature of installing a glamping pod, we’d recommend talking to your local planning authority or our Planning Guidance Service.