Home improvements that don’t require planning permission

Earlier this year, it became apparent that home buyers aren’t that fussed about finding the ‘perfect’ property. A Rightmove survey of 34,000 home movers found 73% of those leaving rented accommodation viewed fixer uppers as a more affordable route to property ownership. Additionally, 73% of existing homeowners wanted to buy a property that needed work in order to create their dream home.

Property discounts pending

The portal also revealed homes for sale that needed a degree of improvement generally had an asking price 12% less than the average property. That equates to a discount in the region of £44,600 – something not to be passed up. Those keen to extend, remodel or upgrade can also use a fairly new ‘fixer upper’ filter over at Zoopla – simply tick the box to only see properties with potential.

The good news is, potential doesn’t mean planning permission will be required. 

There are a host of home improvements that can be made without planning permission, thanks to Permitted Development Rights (PDR). These are in force across the UK but can vary from area to area. Therefore, it is always worth checking the specifics of what is allowed with your local council’s planning department and an experienced architect. 

The types of home improvement projects that generally fall within PDR and do not require planning permission include:

• Single storey extensions within certain size and height parameters, and using certain materials

• Double storey extensions within certain size and height parameters

• Loft conversions within certain size and height parameters, and adhering to window/glazing guidelines

• Garage conversions using certain materials

• Removal of internal walls

• Replacing windows, doors and rooflights

• Adding a conservatory or sun room within certain size parameters

• Adding a garden room, summer house or shed, within set guidelines and usage stipulations

• Adding a porch within certain size and height parameters

• Renovating a bathroom

• Adding solar panels or an air source heat pump

When you might need planning permission

Even if you are undertaking one of the improvements detailed above, there are some instances where planning permission will still be required. This can occur if you live in a listed building, if your home is in a Conservation Area, a National Park or a National Landscape, or if you are altering the shape of your roof.

Don’t overlook building regulations approval

While planning permission may not be required, many home improvement projects still need a degree of input from the local council, especially if the work encompasses plumbing, electrics, windows, doors and roofs. This will be in the form of building regulations approval.

In England and Wales, building regulations approval (sometimes known as building control approval) ensures the home improvement work meets specific standards for safety, health, energy efficiency and accessibility. A building control inspector will likely visit the property to ensure compliance with building regulations.

There are two ways to comply with building regulations approval. Homeowners can choose to use tradespeople who belong to a competent person scheme (with the trade notifying the local authority about work on your behalf) or apply for building regulations approval themselves before they undertake improvements. A similar scheme operates in Scotland, known as Scottish Building Standards.

Consider a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)

A LDC is a legal document confirming that a home improvement project was legally permitted without the need for planning permission. It is a useful document to have when it comes to selling a property in the future. 

If you would like to buy a property for its improvement potential, please get in touch. Our local knowledge can identify homes that are ripe for renovations that don’t need planning permission.