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What permission do I need to knock through adjoining properties?
Planning permission is not normally required to turn two properties into one by knocking through a party wall provided the changes are internal and do not impact the external appearance of the property.
You should check with your local planning authority that they agree, and there are not any previous planning changes or conditions which may have an impact.
Additional permissions may be required depending on the building’s history and their location. If the building is listed, an application for listed building consent will be required before any major changes are made to the dwellings.
The work will have to comply with building regulations, the focus will be on structural work and safety.
Read more about how building regulations apply to internal walls.
Common Questions
Planning permission is not required for the installation of a stair lift, however, if you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
Stairlifts must be installed in line with BS EN 81-40:2020 which focuses on safety requirements for the installation of stairlifts.
Planning permission is not required for moving internal walls in a flat.If the building is a listed building, you may require listed building consent.
Removing a load bearing wall will require building control approval as it is altering the structure of the property. You will be required to provide a report from a structural engineer who will provide structural calculations.
Work on internal walls may also affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics. These should be considered during the design process and work should be carried out by a member of the competent person scheme where possible.
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.
In many cases, you can extend a house without applying for planning permission by using what's known as permitted development rights, provided certain limits and conditions are met. However, if your plans go beyond these restrictions, you will likely need to apply for householder planning permission.
Maintenance of fascias and soffit boards such as replacement or painting generally does not require planning permission.
However, if you live in a listed building or designated area (conservation area, national park, area of outstanding natural beauty) you should check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work.
Building regulation approval is not normally required for this work, but you should ensure that the ventilation for the building is not impacted.
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