Can you Renovate a Property Without Planning Permission?

Planning Permission

If you’ve just bought a home or you’re planning a renovation, one of the biggest early questions is,

“Do I need planning permission for this?”

The good news is: not always. In fact, many renovation jobs can go ahead without full planning permission thanks to something called Permitted Development Rights (PD).

Here is what you need to know:

What You Can Do Without Planning Permission

Under Permitted Development (PD) Rights, you can usually carry out the following works without planning permission, as long as you follow specific limits and conditions:

1. Internal Renovations

You don’t need permission to:

• Knock down internal walls (unless the property is listed or it affects structural safety)

• Install new kitchens or bathrooms

• Rewire or replumb your home

  
  

But: if the building is listed, you’ll likely need Listed Building Consent.

2. Loft Conversions

You can often convert your loft under PD rights, provided:

• The extension is no higher than the original roof

• You don’t add more than 40m³ (terraced houses) or 50m³ (semi-detached/detached)

• Materials are in keeping with the existing property

Adding dormer windows at the back is usually fine. Front-facing ones? That needs planning.

3. Single-Storey Rear Extensions

You can extend the back of your home without full planning permission if:

• It doesn’t extend more than 3m (terraced/semis) or 4m (detached)

• It’s no taller than 4m

• It doesn’t cover more than 50% of your garden

Note: You still need to submit a Prior Approval notification to the council for larger extensions, it’s not quite planning, but it’s a legal step.

4. Garage Conversions

Most integral or attached garages can be turned into living space without planning permission, as long as:

• The work is internal

• You’re not significantly altering the external look

• Your council doesn’t have a specific condition removing PD rights (some do!)

  
  

5. Outbuildings, Sheds & Home Offices

You’re usually fine if the building is:

• Less than 2.5m tall (if near the boundary)

• Not used as living accommodation

• Covers less than 50% of your garden

Perfect for a garden office or gym but not okay for a guest annex or AirBnB let.

When You Do Need Planning Permission

Even small changes can trigger planning if certain conditions apply.

You’ll need permission if:

• Your home is listed or in a conservation area

• You’re adding balconies, roof terraces, or front dormers

• You’re changing the use of the building (e.g. from a shop to a flat)

• You want to split the house into separate flats

• Your property is in a national park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or World Heritage Site (PD rights are more restricted here)

Planning Permission

What If You’re Not Sure?

If you’re ever in doubt, ask your local council’s planning department.

Or you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development, this confirms that what you’re planning doesn’t require permission, giving you protection if you ever sell the property.

You should also speak to your architect or builder as they’ll usually know the local rules and be able to flag any red flags before you get started.

Planning Permission vs Building Regulations

Even if you don’t need planning permission, you’ll almost always need to comply with Building Regulations these are rules that make sure your home is structurally sound, energy efficient, and safe.

Things like:

• Loft conversions

• New bathrooms

• Underpinning

• Electrical work

…usually require sign-off by Building Control.

You can renovate without planning permission but only if you know the rules.

When in doubt, speak to your local authority or a planning consultant. It’s far cheaper than ripping out a non-compliant loft conversion later.