Check if you need permission or approval for home improvements

You may need planning permission for:

• most new buildings
• extensions to buildings
• changes to buildings

Not all projects need planning permission though, so finding out early can save you some time.

You can check if you need planning permission by using our service.

You do not normally need planning permission for ‘permitted developments’, and can apply instead for a lawful development certificate on GOV.UK.

(Permitted development means that certain changes and extensions to a house can be carried out without needing planning permission.)

You will need planning permission if:

• permitted rights were withdrawn
• if your property is in a conservation area
• if there is a heritage listing on your property

You may also need planning permission to change historical planning conditions on your property.

You can see if you need to do this by checking the planning application.

You can also:

• check what you should do before starting work on your property
• read about the difference between planning permission and building regulations
• read more about planning permission on GOV.UK
• apply for planning permission on the Planning Portal