What you need Planning Permission for ‘Inside your Property’

We might be aware that we are likely to require planning permission when we construct things ‘outside’ or adding ‘size’ to our property such as extensions or outbuildings, but what about working on things inside our four walls that are not going to be seen unless you walk in through the front door? Surely we are allowed to do as we please inside our homes (excluding listed buildings and / or property within designated conservation area / national park / area of outstanding natural beauty) and we needn’t bother telling anyone? Who will ever know and what business is it of theirs anyway?

It’s wise to discuss your application with your local planning authority before officially submitting it to find out if it has a shot at success. The feedback you’ll get will be non-binding, but it’ll give you a good indication of your scheme’s chances of success and if you’ll need to amend it before you submit it. Some authorities charge for pre-application advise; others offer it for free.” source propertypriceadvice

If we own our property (freehold) then we are likely to have the right to do as we please though we must always take in to consideration the regulations set out by the government regarding planning and local authorities. Only a few internal changes that you make might very well require permission first, here are some examples:

  • Cellars / Basements: If there is an existing room downstairs which you wish to convert from storage to living accommodation (so long as it is not an independent living space) will not require planning permission though if you are thinking of excavating a new basement area then this will likely require planning permission.
  • Garage: If you are thinking about converting a garage in to a living area then planning will not be required, though if it is to be a separate living area then planning permission will be required.
  • Indoor Swimming Pool: You are recommended to contact your local planning department to find out more about if planning is required to install an indoor swimming pool within your property.

 

 

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Where can you still buy a home for under £150k?

Zoopla reveals Great Britain’s property bargain hotspots Just 12 per cent of all homes for sale across Great Britain are priced under £150,000 making location key for home buyers looking for a bargain In the North East, a remarkable 41 per cent of all homes for sale fall within this price range, followed by Scotland…
Read More
Breaking News

Landlord repossessions soar as Renters’ Rights Bill looms

Landlord repossessions soar as Renters’ Rights Bill looms, with some areas seeing increase of over 2,500% The latest analysis from Dwelly, one of the UK’s leading lettings acquisition and success planning experts, shows that landlord repossessions have increased by 6.8% across England and Wales. However, in some areas of the country they have soared by…
Read More
Breaking News

These are Britain’s most active housing markets

New research from The Property DriveBuy reveals that the busiest homebuying postcodes in Britain right now are found in Croydon, Buckinghamshire and Waltham Forest, however, for those hopeful homebuyers facing tough competition, shifting to a neighbouring postcode could see them secure a property. The Property DriveBuy analysed latest housing market data to discover which of…
Read More
Breaking News

Downsizers can bag 2 for 1 on property purchases

The latest research from over-50s property specialists, Regency Living, reveals that downsizing retirees could own two homes for the price of one, combining a comfortable home in England with a sunny escape in Europe. According to Regency Living’s latest analysis, retirees who sell a traditional bricks and mortar house and purchase a park home can…
Read More
Breaking News

New analysis shows majority of estate agents complete HMRC AML registration

Just 5% of branches still need to register More than 24,000 UK estate agency branches have registered with HMRC for money laundering supervision – an increase of around 2,300 branches in just over a year, according to new analysis from client due diligence platform Thirdfort. Some 24,003 estate agent branches across the UK have registered…
Read More
Breaking News

Gen Z could wait until 2044 to buy a home

Getting on the property ladder has never been tougher, and, for Gen Z, it could take up to 18 years to save a deposit in the UK’s least affordable cities, according to new research from Beswicks Legal, comparing 40 urban centres. The figures reveal that in places like Cambridge and London, Gen Z buyers may…
Read More