When you need planning permission

You're likely to require planning permission if you intend to:

• construct a new building
• alter the appearance of an existing building
• change the use of a building

Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, are classed as ‘permitted development’ and do not require planning permission.

You may still require building regulations approval if you plan to carry out building work, even if your works are a permitted development.

Common projects that may require planning permission

The Planning Portal website offers general advice on householder extensions and other common projects on when planning permission is required.

Additionally, the following alterations and proposals require planning permission:

• if you live in a flat or maisonette, you are likely to need planning permission for many alterations, including changes to windows and doors
• change of use – if you are planning to change the use of a building you may require planning permission
• if you live in a conservation area, you may be subject to additional restrictions known as Article 4 Directions (see our conservation areas page)
• if you intend to carry out works to protected trees (under a tree preservation order), or to trees in a conservation area, you need our permission (see the tree preservation orders page)
• if you intend to alter listed buildings internally or externally, you will probably require listed building consent
• if you intend to display advertisement and signage you will probably require advertisement consent
• if you are carrying out new building work, you will probably have to comply with building regulations (see our building control pages)

Further guidance

If you're unsure about whether your proposal requires planning permission or not, you can get further guidance from our pre-application planning advice service, or see GOV.UK planning permission advice.

For advice on developments that require permission, visit our planning advice for common projects page.

Useful guidance

You may find the following guidance useful:

• GOV.UK planning practice guidance
• Planning Portal – do you need permission?
• Planning Portal – volume calculator
• Planning Portal – guidance for flats and maisonettes
• Planning Portal – permitted development
• Planning Portal – satellite, TV and radio antenna