Planning Permission

Definition: Planning permission is concerned with development and use of land and regulates this in the public interest. The appearance of a development and how it will impact on neighbouring developments and the environment are important considerations.

Building Regulations

Definition: Building Regulations are standards that ensure the health and safety of people in or around buildings. They are concerned with functional requirements such a buildings ability to conserve energy and be accessible to disabled people.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is not usually necessary for small interior alterations to your property but you will need to apply if:

• You want to make additions or extensions to your property (especially if your property is a listed building).
• You want to challenge the existing terms of the original planning permission for your property.
• You want to divide off part of your property to create a separate property.
• You want to build a parking place for commercial vehicles.
• The work you want to do obstructs the view of road users.
• You want to develop a separate building in your garden.
• You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use.

Who Do I Ask?

If you are considering building work on your property and want to know if you require planning permission or to enquire about building regulations, contact your local councils planning department. You can also go to PlanningPortal.gov.uk. This site has a comprehensive guide to planning and lots of good advice plus you can submit an online application for planning permission through your local councils planning department. For commercial planning permission advice and information on land, property, construction and related environmental knowledge, visit the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor's website at RICS.org.

How Do Building Regulations Affect Me?

Both you and your builder are responsible for making sure that a Building Regulation application is made before you commence any building work on your property and that notification of the various stages of the work you intend to carry out is given to the Building Control and Licensing department in your local council. For more information regarding building regulations visit the website of Local Authority Building Control at LABC. They are an independent building control provider and offer lots of useful information plus they enable you to submit your CAD plans online.

Caution!

The responsibility for having planning permission and being compliant with building regulations rests with you. If you commence work without either your local authority may ask you to make a retrospective planning application. This does not guarantee you permission and you may be asked to stop work and reverse the work you have done. This can be a costly exercise. You can appeal against this decision but if your appeal is denied and you continue to not comply you may face prosecution.