In many circumstances, rules known as ‘permitted development’ rights allow you to extend a house without needing to apply for planning permission, providing specific limitations and conditions are met. If you want to exceed these limits and conditions, then it is likely that an application for householder planning permission will be required.

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You can find information about the limits and conditions, prior approval and the building regulations on the Planning Portal by using the links below.  

Read about planning permission for extensions

Read about prior approval for larger single storey extensions

Find out about building regulations for an extension

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Planning permission is not required for internal changes such as changing a bathroom to an accessible wetroom, 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.

Building regulations approval will likely be required for changes to a make a bathroom accessible, specifically when the change will impact the structure of the room, drainage and electrical systems. It is recommended to have work completed by a member of the competent person scheme.

Verandas will often require planning permission as they do not fall under permitted development rights. If the veranda is raised over 0.3 metres, covers more than 50% of the land around your house, is on the principal elevation or on a roof then it will need planning permission.

You may require additional consents if you live in a Conservation Area or listed building. If you are unsure, you should contact your local planning authority.

For more information about planning permission for verandas and balconies, read our common project.

Work that requires building control approval will require a completion notice to be submitted to the building control body. The completion notice must be sent within five days of the work being completed, once submitted, the building control body can visit the site to complete a final inspection.

If the work meets the required standards they will issue a completion certificate.

Planning permission is unlikely to be required for the installation of external damp proofing unless the work will change the external appearance of the building or is part of a larger project.

If you live in a listed building you will need listed building consent for any significant changes, this can include external damp proofing. Additional rules may also apply if you live in a Conservation Area or other protected area.

Building regulations approval is not required for installing an external damp proof course (DPC).

Read further guidance on damp proofing.