Do you need planning permission for an air source heat pump?

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In most cases, homeowners do not require planning permission for an air source heat pump, as it is classed as permitted development. However, you should check that your property/area benefits from these permitted development rights (see below).   Air source heat pumps – what can you do under permitted development?   In the legislation, air… Read more »

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

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In most cases, solar panels on residential property do not require planning permission as they are classed as permitted development. However, you should check that your property/area benefits from these permitted development rights (more on that below).   Solar panels – what can you do under permitted development? Solar equipment is covered under Class A… Read more »

4 Year Rule – Planning Permission

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What is the 4 year rule – planning permission? If your property does not have the required planning permission, there are four years in which your local council can take enforcement action to remedy the breach. The four years start from when the development is substantially complete.   What is the 10 year rule? You… Read more »

Prefab (and modular) extensions: costs, pros and cons

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Prefabrication and modular construction are both off-site construction methods that involve building components in a controlled factory environment, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly. They are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners looking to expand their living space.   What’s the difference between a prefab extension and a modular extension? Prefabrication generally… Read more »

Planning permission in an AONB

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What is an AONB? An AONB stands for ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’ It is a designation given to a specific geographic area in the United Kingdom that is considered to have significant natural beauty and environmental significance. AONBs are similar to National Parks in terms of their protected status and the level of conservation… Read more »

How long does a planning application take? And how to avoid delays…

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Brick extension

How long does a planning application take?   Whether you are proposing an extension, loft conversion or new build, planning permission usually takes eight weeks to be granted, unless your application is ‘unusually large or complex’, in which case the deadline can be extended to 13 weeks.   Design above by Ash, architect from Lambeth,… Read more »

Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

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loft conversion

In most circumstances you will not need planning permission for a loft conversion, as the development will be covered by GPDO (permitted development). However, you should also check if your permitted development rights are restricted or have been removed (see below)*   Roof extension pictured above by Ben+Eoin, architect from Southwark, London. Click here to… Read more »

What is GPDO?

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GPDO stands for General Permitted Development Order. Permitted development gives permission to undertake certain alterations, extensions or additions to your home without requiring Planning Permission.   Design above by Will, architect from Brighton and Hove, South East. Click here to see more and shortlist them for your home project. When permitted development doesn’t apply There… Read more »

Shop to residential conversion without planning permission

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shop to residential conversion

Good news, it is possible to convert a shop to residential use without needing planning permission. However, there are important exceptions where permitted development rights may not apply in your area or to your property.   Image above – Design by Anamaria, architectural designer from Southwark, London. Click here to see more and shortlist them… Read more »

Conversions to a house without planning permission

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warehouse conversion

Under current planning legislation there are certain conversions to a house that fall under permitted development, meaning you can convert to a house without planning permission. They fall under GDPO (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, where a planning permission is not required. However, there are important exceptions to these rights, which are outlined below.  … Read more »