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Find out if you need planning permission for alterations to your house

From dropped kerbs to extensions - find out if you will need to apply for planning permission.

Find out if you'll need planning permission

Every project is different, and there are no set rules as to what will and won't require planning permission. Take a look at the following common examples for more information:

Extension

You would probably expect all extensions to require planning permission, but they sometimes don't.

Permitted developments - no planning permission required

Some extensions may be classed as a 'permitted development' and won't require any planning permission at all.

As long as your project complies with all other permitted development criteria, you can generally build:

  • for a detached house - the permitted rear extension is 4 metres from the original rear wall of the house
  • for all other houses - the permitted rear extension is 3 metres beyond the original rear wall of the house

Permitted developments - prior approval required

Some larger single storey rear extensions might still be classed as a permitted development, and won't require planning permission either, but you must let us know you are building it. This is called 'prior approval, or prior notification' and is a much simpler process than householder planning permission.

As long as your project complies with all other permitted development criteria, you can generally build:

  • for a detached house - the permitted rear extension is 8 metres from the original rear wall of the house
  • for all other houses - the permitted rear extension is 6 metres beyond the original rear wall of the house.

Read more about costs and how to apply.

Please note: this process is NOT available for any house in a conservation area.


Extensions which aren't a permitted development

Any extension that doesn't fall into either of the above categories, will require a householder planning application.

These might include:

  • an extension to the side of your property
  • the height of your single-storey extension is more than 4 metres
  • a two-storey extension to the rear of your property
  • an extension which wraps around the side and back of your property
  • an extension which is being added to an existing extension, that would extend your property more than permitted development rules allow.

These are only some examples of common extensions which will require a planning application.


Further reading

Read more about extensions and permitted development rules:


Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Loft conversion

Find out if your loft conversion will be classed as a 'permitted development' or require planning permission:

Interactive loft conversion planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Loft conversion planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Garage conversion

Find out if your garage conversion will be classed as a 'permitted development' or require planning permission:

Garage conversion planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Conservatory

Find out if your conservatory will be classed as a 'permitted development' or require planning permission:

Interactive conservatory planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Conservatory planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Porch

Find out if your porch will be classed as a 'permitted development' or require planning permission:

Interactive porch planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Porch planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Outbuilding

Find out if your outbuilding will be classed as a 'permitted development' or require planning permission:

Interactive outbuilding planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Outbuilding planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Dropped kerb

Planning permission is only needed for a new vehicular access onto a classified road, such as those beginning with an A, B or C. Most houses on an estate will not need planning permission.

However, all works on a public highway will need our agreement and you will need to purchase a 'Vehicular Access Pack' which will give you more information about getting a dropped kerb.

This pack explains the council's requirements and the procedure to be followed.

Charges for this pack and associated inspection fees can be found on the Highway charges page.

You can order and pay in one of two ways:

  • credit card, debit card or cheque at any customer service centre
  • credit card or debit card by calling customer services on (01482) 393939 - Select Option 6 then Option 4

Your pack will then be posted out to you.

Please note: all construction costs must be covered by yourself and there will be a further fee for inspections, if the proposal goes ahead. Extra charges may apply if a Traffic Regulation Order is affected, such as removal of parking bay.

Removing trees?

If your proposed work involves the removal of trees, you should first check if the trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order or protected by virtue of the property being within a Conservation Area. This can be done by contacting us:

Email: treesandlandscape@eastriding.gov.uk

Phone: (01482) 393637 or (01482) 393635

Read more about tree and hedge protection and legislation.

New fence, wall or gate

Find out if your fence, wall or gate will require planning permission:

Fence, wall and gate planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Self build homes

You will definitely need planning permission to build a new house, but there is also a lot more to consider. There is a new website dedicated to providing information, advice and services for those who wish to build their own home:

The Self Build Portal

Read more about making a 'full planning application' for a new build.

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Converting a house to flats

Yes, you will require 'full' permission if the conversion would result in any additional units of residential accommodation. Read more at:

Flat conversion advice on the Planning Portal website

Read more about making a 'full planning application'.

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Changes to a flat

Yes. You will need 'full' planning permission for anything which changes the way the flat looks from the outside. This includes changes such as new windows (but not replacement of existing windows), external painting and satellite dishes.

Flat and maisonette planning advice on the Planning Portal website

Read more about making a 'full planning application'.

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Tree and hedge cutting

Find out if you might need planning permission to cut yours, or a neighbours tree or hedge:

Tree and hedge cutting advice on the Planning Portal website

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Running a business from home

Find out if you might need planning permission to run a business from your home:

Working from home advice on the Planning Portal website

See what else you might have to consider if operating a business from your home.

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Something else

If your project isn't listed here, a good place to start is to browse the interactive house or the common projects list on the Planning Portal website.

The government's Planning Portal website provides planning information for every possible kind of property alteration - both internal and external as well as alterations to shops.

Still not sure? We can help...

The rules around whether something needs planning permission or not is very complex, so why not let us help you figure it out?

We will also tell you whether building control regulations will apply.

Find out how we can help

Still not sure? Get help...

There are two ways in which you can get confirmation if you need to apply for planning permission:

Use the council's quick and easy service

For only £60 we can tell you if you will need to apply for planning permission. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to planning permission and building control. We know how confusing it can be so we're happy to help and hopefully take the stress out of your building project:

  • we provide a cheap and quick service - only £60 (inc. VAT)
  • we confirm whether you need to apply for planning permission
  • we establish if you need building regulation approval
  • you only need to provide basic sketch plans, making sure that dimensions are clearly indicated (in metres, not feet)
  • you get a decision from the council within 14 days stating whether or not you need to apply for planning or building regulations approval
  • our decision is written proof if planning permission or building regulations were not required, which is useful when selling your home

Check if you need planning permission and building regulation approval

Apply for a 'Lawful Development Certificate' from the Planning Portal website

You can also find out if you need planning permission by submitting a formal application known as a 'Lawful Development Certificate' via the Planning Portal website.

However, this option is rarely used in the East Riding, and is not recommended for the following reasons:

  • As this is a national procedure fees vary, but a house extension application will cost £103
  • This service does not tell you if building regulations apply
  • Full plans of the existing and proposed development have to be provided
  • Applications can take up to 8 weeks, as the council still has to consult on them

The consequences of building without permission

If you build without having received the correct planning permission, this could be classed as an unauthorised development. You could be served an enforcement notice, which could order you, at your own expense to undo all the changes you have made. If you fail to follow an enforcement notice, or if you have committed a criminal offence, such as an unauthorised demolition, you could be prosecuted.

Back: A guide for householders Next: Pre-application planning advice

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