Do You Need Planning Permission for Your Renovation?

Are you thinking about renovating your home in the UK but aren't sure whether you need planning permission first? You’re not alone. Many homeowners feel unsure about when they can just go ahead with work, and when they need to speak to the council or get formal approval. The truth is, some projects can be done under permitted development, while others do need planning permission or building regulations approval. Knowing the difference before you start can save you time, money, and stress.

Let’s go through the basics of when planning permission in the UK is usually required and how it differs from building regulations approval.

When do you need planning permission or building regulations approval in the UK?

Before you start tearing down walls or building an extension, it helps to know two separate things you might need:

• Planning permission – about how your project affects the outside world (appearance, neighbours, streetscape, size, impact).
• Building regulations approval – about how safe and well-built it is (structure, fire safety, insulation, electrics, drainage, etc.).

Sometimes you need both, sometimes just one, and sometimes neither, but it’s always safer to check.

1. Planning permission 

You’ll often need planning permission if your project changes the size, shape, or outward appearance of your home in a big way, or affects neighbours and the street. For example, you may need planning permission if you:

• Build a large rear or side extension that goes beyond permitted development size limits.
• Add a two-storey extension or significantly increase the roof height.
• Change the front of the house in a way that alters its appearance from the street (for example, adding large new dormers or major façade changes).
• Convert a house into multiple flats, or change it from residential to another use.
• Built in a conservation area, on a listed building, or in a national park, where rules are usually stricter.

If your project is small-scale and meets certain rules (height, depth, distance from boundaries, etc.), it may fall under permitted development, meaning formal planning permission might not be needed. 

But that doesn’t remove the need to check, especially if you’re in a conservation area or the house is listed.

2. Building regulations approval 

Even if you don’t need planning permission, you will often still need building regulations approval. Building regs are about making sure the work is safe, strong, energy-efficient, and fit to live in. You usually need building regulations approval if you:

• Remove or alter load-bearing walls, beams, or chimney breasts.
• Build an extension, convert a loft, or convert a garage into a habitable room.
• Install new staircases or change floor levels.
• Fit new windows or doors (especially if you change sizes or structural openings).
• Do major work on electrics, plumbing, heating systems, or drainage.
• Add or change insulation, roofing structures, or fire protection between floors or properties.

Think of it this way: if the work affects the structure, safety, or performance of the building, building regs are usually involved.

3. When you might not need planning permission 

Many smaller updates can usually be done without planning permission, such as:

• Internal re-decoration (painting, new flooring, new kitchen units in the same layout).
• Replacing like-for-like windows or doors (where size and position stay the same and you use a certified installer).
• Minor garden structures within certain size and height limits (like small sheds or outbuildings under permitted development).

However, “small” doesn’t always mean “free from rules”. If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, even minor changes (like windows or external doors) may still require consent. It is why it’s important to check your specific situation before assuming anything.

4. Projects that often need both planning permission and building regs

Some renovations sit firmly in the “definitely check both” category. For example:

• Large extensions (rear or side) that significantly change the footprint or height of the house.
• Loft conversions that add big dormer windows at the front or heavily alter the roofline.
• Garage conversions that change the external appearance and create new habitable space.
• Any major project on a listed building, or in a conservation area, national park, or similar protected zone.

In these cases, you’re almost always dealing with both the planning department and building control (or an approved inspector).

5. How to navigate permissions and approvals without losing your mind

You don’t have to become an expert in UK planning law to renovate your home. A few smart steps can make the process much easier:

• Ask early – Before you finalise your plans, check whether planning permission or building regs approval is likely to be needed.
• Talk to professionals – Designers, architects, and renovation specialists deal with these rules every day and can guide you.
• Get proper drawings – Clear plans help councils and building control say “yes” more easily.
• Allow time – Approvals take time; build this into your renovation schedule so you’re not rushing.
• Stick to the approved plans – Once you have permission, make sure the work on site matches what was agreed. If you want big changes partway through, check if they need new approval.

Get your renovation approved the right way with Refresh

Planning permission and building regulations can feel confusing, but they don’t have to stop your renovation plans. The key is simple: check early, understand whether you need planning permission, building regs approval, or both, and make sure your project is properly designed and documented before any work starts. That way, you avoid delays, surprise costs, or being asked to change finished work later.

You don’t need to figure all of this out on your own. Refresh Renovations UK can help you determine which approvals you need, design your renovation to comply with the rules, prepare the paperwork, and liaise with your local council or building control on your behalf. Their team handles the technical and administrative work, while you stay focused on how you want your home to look and feel.

If you’re thinking about renovating but feel unsure about planning permission or building regulations, get in touch with Refresh Renovations UK.