Planning Permission and Permitted Development are two key concepts in the UK’s planning system and RenoRescue is a specialist in both, whether its overseeing, project managing or carrying out the work.

Planning Permission

Planning permission is the formal approval from the local planning authority (usually your local council) that allows you to carry out certain types of development, such as building extensions, altering the structure of a building, or changing the use of land or property.

You need planning permission for:

• Significant changes to a property or its use (e.g., converting a house into a commercial property).

• Major extensions (e.g., building a large extension to the side or rear of a house).

• New builds (e.g., building a house on undeveloped land).

• Significant changes to listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.

The process involves submitting a planning application, which the council will review, and they will either approve, reject, or approve with conditions. Planning permission can take several weeks to process.

Permitted Development

Permitted development is a set of national rules that allow certain types of building work to be carried out without needing full planning permission. This is based on the assumption that some developments have minimal impact and are unlikely to affect neighbors or the local environment.

Common examples of permitted development include:

• House Extensions: Certain types of home extensions, like small conservatories or single-storey rear extensions, can be done without permission.

• Loft Conversions: Conversions that don’t alter the building’s structure too much or extend beyond certain limits.

• Garden Buildings: Sheds, garages, or other garden structures under a specific size.

• Replacement Windows and Doors: Replacing windows or doors with ones of a similar size, style, and material.

• Roof Changes: Minor changes like rooflights or solar panels.

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However, permitted development rights are not always available, and there are restrictions, such as:

• If the property is a listed building or in a conservation area.

• The work must not exceed a certain size or scale (e.g., extensions shouldn’t exceed 3 meters in depth for a detached house).

• For flats or apartments, permitted development rights may be more limited.

In some cases, even if a project could fall under permitted development, it’s recommended to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate from the local council to confirm that the development doesn't require full planning permission.