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What rules apply to installing an extractor fan?
Whether you need planning permission to install an extractor fan depends on the size and placement of the fan.
For domestic installations, such as a bathroom or kitchen in your house, planning permission is not generally required. If the change significantly alters the external appearance of your home then permission may be required.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant changes.
Larger extractor fans for businesses are likely to require an application for planning permission to be made to the local planning authority. These extractors can impact the local area due to their noise, visibility and odour, as such the planning authority will need to assess the change.
Building regulations relating to ventilation and electrical works will have to be complied with, these are covered by Approved Document F and P respectively.
Read more about building regulations and the requirement for ventilation on our common projects.
Common Questions
If the conservatory is not separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows, then it will lose its building regulations exempt status. As such it will be required to adhere to thermal efficiency rules and ventilation rules.
The new opening created from removal of the door will also need building regulations approval.
Find out more from our conservatories common project
A soakaway does not normally require an application for planning permission provided it deals with surface water and does not discharge into a public sewer. Additional regulations may apply if you are in a conservation area or within the boundary of a listed building.
Building regulations will apply to the creation of a soakaway. The soakaway must comply with Part H of the building regulations which specifies where they can be located and the size that is permitted.
Read more about Approved Document H.
Replacing the window within a bay window is treated the same as any other window. Meaning that the replacement of windows which have a similar appearance to those previously used would not require an application for planning permission.
Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements will also not require an application.
If you live in a listed building or a designated area then different rules may apply.
For more details on replacing windows, visit our common projects section.
Raising your garden level a small amount is likely to not require planning permission as it is likely to have minimal impact on the chances of flooding or overlooking your neighbours.
Increases of over 30cm may require planning permission as a significant change can impact drainage or your neighbours. If the changes are close to a boundary, you should consider whether it will overlook your neighbours or be intrusive.
You should contact your local planning authority to understand whether your proposed changes will require planning permission.
In many cases, yes. Converting a single residential property (Class C3) into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to six occupants can often be done under permitted development rights, specifically under Class L. This means that planning permission isn’t usually required.
However, if your property is located in an area covered by an Article 4 Direction, permitted development rights are removed, and you would need to apply for full planning permission to change the use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C4 (HMO).
Read more information about use class changes on Planning Portal
