In London, planning permission is required for building projects that do not fall under Permitted Development Rights or when the proposed work exceeds the limitations set by these rights.
Here are some common situations where you would need to apply for planning permission:
1. Major Extensions and Alterations
- Large Extensions: If your extension exceeds the size limits allowed under Permitted Development Rights (e.g., extending more than 6 meters from the rear wall for a terraced house or 8 meters for a detached house), planning permission is required.
- Two-Storey Extensions: A two-storey extension at the rear of your property will typically require planning permission, especially if it extends beyond the rear wall or exceeds height restrictions.
- Height Increases: Raising the height of your building or adding another storey generally requires planning permission.
2. Significant Roof Alterations
- Dormer Windows or Roof Extensions: If the dormer or roof extension exceeds the volume limits (40 cubic meters for terraced houses or 50 cubic meters for detached and semi-detached houses), planning permission is needed.
- Changing Roof Shape: Any significant alteration to the shape of your roof, such as converting a flat roof to a pitched roof, usually requires planning permission.
3. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
- Listed Buildings: Any alterations, extensions, or even certain internal changes to a listed building will require planning permission, as well as listed building consent.
- Conservation Areas: In conservation areas, there are stricter controls, and many developments that would normally be permitted may require planning permission. This includes changes to windows, doors, roofs, and even certain exterior finishes.
4. Change of Use
- Residential to Commercial: If you plan to change the use of a building, such as converting a residential property into a commercial space, you will need planning permission.
- Subdividing a Property: If you intend to split a single dwelling into multiple units, this will generally require planning permission.
5. New Builds
- Construction of New Buildings: Erecting a new house or any other type of building on your property requires planning permission.
- Rebuilding: If you plan to demolish and rebuild a significant portion of your property, this would typically require planning permission.
6. Large Outbuildings and Structures
- Outbuildings: If you plan to construct a large outbuilding, such as a garage, shed, or garden room that exceeds height, size, or location restrictions, you will need planning permission.
- Fencing, Walls, and Gates: Erecting or altering fences, walls, or gates may require planning permission if they exceed a certain height or if the property is adjacent to a highway.
7. Porches
- Large Porches: Adding a porch that is larger than 3 square meters, higher than 3 meters, or within 2 meters of a boundary adjacent to a highway will require planning permission.
8. Windows and Doors
- Significant Changes: Altering the appearance of your property by changing windows or doors in a way that affects the character of the building, especially in conservation areas, might require planning permission.
9. Commercial Projects
- Shop Fronts: Any changes to a shop front, such as new signage, awnings, or shutters, generally require planning permission.
- Advertisements: Installing new signs or advertisements may require planning permission, especially in sensitive areas.
10. Flats and Apartments
- Loft Conversions: Flats and apartments do not benefit from Permitted Development Rights for loft conversions, so any such work will require planning permission.
- Extensions: Similarly, extensions to flats or apartments usually require planning permission.
Important Notes:
- Article 4 Directions: In some areas, local authorities have removed Permitted Development Rights through Article 4 Directions, meaning you will need planning permission for work that would otherwise be permitted. This is common in conservation areas or where there are concerns about maintaining the character of the area.
- Pre-Application Advice: It’s often helpful to seek pre-application advice from your local planning authority to understand whether your project will require planning permission and how to proceed.
In summary, you will need planning permission in London for projects that involve significant alterations, new builds, changes of use, or work in sensitive areas such as conservation zones or on listed buildings. If your project exceeds the scope of Permitted Development Rights, applying for planning permission is necessary to ensure compliance with local planning regulations.
