Home renovations which do not need planning permission

Over the last few years, many homeowners have found chosen to upgrade or extend their homes as an alternative to moving house. They are then faced with the complicated process of obtaining planning permission. However, there are certain permanent fixtures you can add to your home which do not involve applying for planning permission which can increase your living space and increase the value of your home. Within this guide we outline some of the home renovation projects you could include in your home that would not require planning permission.

There is an extensive list of property developments you can add to your home without the costs of moving home. We suggest you consider improving your home instead. It is wise to confirm whether your proposed development is classed as ‘permitted development’ on your local council’s website before proceeding – it’s not worth the headache and can be a costly mistake to rectify.

Installing a raised deck

As people’s priorities towards a healthier work/life balance have changed, creating the perfect outdoor space has become more popular than ever before. Adding a raised decking area within your garden is classed as a firm fixture for which you do not need planning permission. Many homeowners are opting for decking over patio slabs because of the low maintenance benefits decking provides.

Installing a conservatory

Adding a conservatory to homes has been increasingly popular since the mid-80’s, providing homeowners with a space to sit in, particularly during the summer months. Because most conservatories are made from glass or have large glass panes/windows they tend to heat up throughout summer, making an ideal space to relax and entertain. They also make nice dining areas, where you can create a cosy space during the winter months.

Conservatories do not require any planning permission provided the homeowner follows the strict width and height regulations. Your conservatory installation should cover no more than half of your available land and should be no higher than the highest roof of your property.

Building a shed

Garden sheds are an extremely useful storage building. We Brits have a unique love and relationship with our garden sheds, using them for anything from standard storage of tools to a cinema room or gaming room. Available in all kinds of shapes and sizes, you won’t need planning permission if your shed takes up less than 15 metres. Many homeowners have gotten creative with their outdoor sheds, painting them chalk colours to blend in with their gardens.

Creating a border around your property

Adding a fence around your property, can alter the way your home looks and many prefer this as it provides the homeowners with privacy. If you keep your fence, gate or wall within the boundary lines and doesn’t exceed one metre in height this is acceptable. Anything taller will require planning permission, the same with any listed building. Fences typically were stained a chocolate brown colour, but there are so many more options now with chalk colours being used to complement homeowner’s gardens, there are also trellis options and composite styles.

Installing a garden room

A growing trend, particularly after lockdown is to install garden rooms or outdoor rooms. A contemporary living space for entertaining in your garden, these popular fixtures add valuable extra space for home gyms, home office and extra living space for you and your growing family. Garden rooms are an effective way of adding space without the expense of building an extension or having to obtain any planning permission.

For it not to not require planning permission, a garden room would need to be built within certain guidelines.  Typically, you need to build away from your house, and the garden room will need to be smaller than 30 square metres and take up less than 50 percent of your garden.

There are a few more avenues you can investigate as options for homes. With the addition of a skylight or rooflight, you can transform a dark kitchen. Other options include a porch, replacement of windows and doors, installing solar panels, altering your floor plan, building a fire pit, installing a hot tub, and laying porcelain patio tiles.

These are all examples of home additions which you do not usually need to apply for planning permission. Having said this, since permitted development rights were made legal in 2013, it is always a good idea to obtain a Party Wall Agreement with your neighbours to prevent complications later. You may also need Building Regulations approval before carrying out any work.