Building and Planning

What is the difference between planning and building regulation consent?

What is the difference between planning and building regulation consent?

Building Regulation Approval is required whenever new structures are built or existing ones are altered.  If you have any doubt whether the works will be of a structural nature you are strongly advised to seek the advice of a structural engineer, architect or building surveyor who will advise you. In this case Building Regulation Would be required.

 

Planning consent is required when external alterations are made to a property however, there are circumstances when certain works will not require consent under what is known as ‘Permitted Development’. Planing Consent may not be required for a minor extension, however, it is more than likely that it will be required, such consent is required in the following cirsumstances; if you have already extended your house, a two storey extension, you must not build between your house and a highway, unless the highway is at least 20 metres from the new building, build over more than half the area of land around the original house, the extension is higher than the highest part of the roof of the house , the extension is more than 4 metres high within 2 metres of your boundary. If you are in any doubt at all as to whether the proposed works will require Planning Consent you may find the following website of assistance:  www.planningportal.gov.uk  

 

In addition to considering whether or not Planing and Building Regulation Consents will be required, you should also check that there are no restrictions on your title prohibiting you from extending your property.

 

Please note: The above only applies to freehold houses and therefore if you wanted to extend a flat or maisonette, permitted development would not apply and you would then need to obtain Planing Consent as well as obtaining the consent of your Landlord.

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