23 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Without Planning Permission

2. You won’t need planning permission to renovate your interiors

For those of you after an interior refresh, reconfiguring rooms is a quick and easy way to update a space, and you won’t need permission for internal changes such as moving walls, adjusting floor heights, undertaking a kitchen renovation or creating a new bathroom.

This only applies to a completed and occupied house, however; not to a new build or conversion under construction, where the approved plans must be followed. Bear in mind that you may need listed building consent if your home carries this status.

Interior designer Alice Constable Maxwell unleashed her keen eye for colour on a dilapidated Victorian home, transforming it into the perfect family dwelling. The home has been upgraded with a dormer loft conversion and a light-filled rear kitchen-diner extension with colourful glazed features and a charming interior scheme. Photo: Simon Maxwell

Think about giving your interiors a refresh by painting the walls a new colour or creating a feature wall with tiles or brick slips. Choosing a surface finish can be difficult as there are so many options. Many modern decorators are opting for standard paint alternatives like clay- and lime-based plasters for their organic feel, texture and breathable properties. Both of these options can be tinted, pigmented and even sculpted to create a striking finish.

your guide to planning permission for renovations

3. Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion?

Garage conversions are one of the speediest and most affordable routes to adding flexible floor space to your existing home. The process will significantly enhance your home’s value and a garage conversion will offer a versatile new space that can be used as a home office, bedroom or home gyms or even a small guest room complete with bathroom and kitchenette.

Do you need planning permission for a garage conversion, though? The good news is that planning permission is not normally required to repurpose a garage for residential use, providing that the work is exclusively internal and does not involve enlarging the building in any way (including the addition of dormers in the roof).

Check with your local authority that the right to convert has not been removed. This is a particularly common issue with new developments and conservation areas.

Garage conversions generally don’t need planning permission, as long as the exterior remains sensitive to the original design. This residential development project by MW Architects involved converting a set of old coach houses, with the garage on the lower storey transformed into comfortable, liveable homes. Photo: Taran Wilkhu

A full planning application will also be necessary if you want to significantly alter the external appearance of the garage, such as making big changes to the windows, using new materials or adding an extension. Among the other permissions you might need to secure are listed building consent (if you live in a listed building) and party wall agreements with any adjoining neighbours.

your complete garage conversion guide

4. You can build a conservatory without planning permission

For planning permission purposes, conservatories, sunrooms and orangeries are treated as extensions – with the main difference being that the requirement for matching materials doesn’t apply as you’ll likely have large areas of glazing. To qualify as permitted development, your conservatory must attach to the original dwelling and not a subsequent extension.

This conservatory from Prime Oak has created a bright and airy living space, transforming the dynamic of this previously closed off home. This 7.5m x 7.5m oak orangery with tiled roof and bespoke sunken lantern features full height glazing on three elevations and two sets of bifold doors

5. Do you need planning permission to build a double-storey extension?

If you’re able to, doubling up with an extra level when extending will be one of the best routes to elevating your property’s value and adding more useful floorspace that can be used for bedrooms, bathrooms, offices and more. But do you need planning permission for a double-storey extension? In most cases, multi-storey or two-storey extensions don’t require formal planning permission as they will fall under permitted development rights.

Yard Architects worked with the homeowners to rethink the layout and design of this Victorian terrace property in North London. They created a generous rear kitchen-diner extension and an additional storey built on top of the existing outrigger, providing the home with a generous helping of light and volume. Photo: Richard Chivers

6. You don’t need planning consent to repair or replace windows

You won’t need planning permission to replace your home’s windows provided that, as a result of the change, the appearance of the house isn’t materially altered (so some change is permissible). You can even enlarge existing fenestration under PD – although take note that bay windows are considered to be extensions.

As part of their listed home renovation, Mark Camillin and Liam Denny replaced the original home’s single-glazed windows with conservation double-glazed hardwood models, alongside installing heritage-style aluminium bifolds and French doors. Photo: Richard Downer

Special rules intended to protect neighbours’ privacy apply to side windows, which should be fitted with obscured glazing. It’s quite common to see conditions on previous planning permission preventing alterations to windows in houses and conversions – so always check this before proceeding.

7. Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Loft conversions are an excellent, cost-effective and smart way to make the most out of an often-unused space without building outside of the property’s footprint. They make great additions to compact homes where space to extend is limited, and the additional usable storey means boosting your property’s value, too.

Studio Hagen Hall has applied its eye for spatial planning to this compact terraced home in an urban city location, adding a contemporary loft conversion. Photo: Mariell Lind Hansen

So, does a loft conversion require planning permission? A loft conversion project tends to largely rest on internal work, so there’s usually no need for planning permission as it’s likely that the works will fall under Permitted Development (PD) rules. You can expand available space either with dormer windows or similar alterations, such as changing a hipped roof to a gable – subject to the proviso that the works don’t extend beyond the plane of the existing slope on the front elevation.

These are the limitations set out by permitted development for loft conversions:

• The materials used on your loft conversion’s exterior must be similar in appearance to the existing house.
• The volume of enlargement (including any previous enlargements made) must not exceed the original roof space by more than: 40 cubic metres for terraced houses; or 50 cubic metres for other properties.
• The loft conversion must not exceed the height of the existing roof.
• On the principal elevation of the house (where it fronts a highway), must not extend beyond the existing roof slope.
• Side-facing glazing or windows must be obscure-glazed; and, if opening, to be 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which they are installed.

Your loft conversion complete guide

8. You can replace your roof covering without planning permission

You won’t need formal planning consent to change your home’s roof covering – including jobs such as repairing sections of the covering or replacing it with the same or another material. Just think about what will suit your home’s style.

Levitate Architecture and Design Studio chose Cupa Pizarras’ CUPA 12 slate roof tiles for this home in a conservation area. The traditional feel of the slate helped with planning permission, with a sleek finish that sits well on the steep pitched roofs and overhanging eaves

Any alterations must project no more than 150mm from the existing plane, which is just enough room to add a layer of external insulation if you choose to take this route for an attic conversion (see above).

9. Do you need planning permission to install rooflights or roof windows?

Rooflights or roof windows offer a fantastic opportunity to filtering in top-down natural light. Installing this type of glazing feature doesn’t require formal planning permission as they’re covered by permitted development (PD) rights, providing they do not protrude more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope and do not sit higher than the highest part of the roof.

The owners of this property, which is located within a conservation area in Henley on Thames, maximised their living space using The Rooflight Company’s conservation rooflights

Permitted development rights don’t apply to listed buildings or those in conservation areas, so if your home falls into either category, you’ll need to apply for consent. You should look to specify sympathetic models, too, such as conservation rooflights which fit the aesthetic of older period homes.

10. You can add a porch to your home under permitted development

You can update any external door to your home by adding a small porch, up to 3m high and 3m² in floor area (measured externally). It must be at least 2m away from any boundary with a highway. This project can add significant kerb appeal to your home, too, potentially boosting its value.

11. Do you need planning permission to upgrade your house cladding materials?

You’re allowed to paint, repair or replace the external cladding of your house, but the new finish must broadly match the original in appearance.

Carbon by Design supplied the charred larch cladding for this extension to an 18th-century cottage in Warwickshire. Larch is a hardwearing, low-maintenance cladding option – providing a naturally textured finish that complements the main house’s period character. Photo: William Goddard

There are strong restrictions in place to protect designated zones. So in conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) and the Broads you will need to apply for planning permission to clad in stone, artificial stone, pebbledash, render, timber cladding, plastic or tiles.

12. Upgrade your home’s insulation & efficiency without planning permission

Unless a layer of thermal protection is being applied to the building’s exterior in a way that would affect its appearance, then fitting insulation is classed as internal work that doesn’t require permission.

Where you’re adding it as part of an external cladding, such as insulated render, it will still count as PD unless it increases the height of the building or moves the front wall closer to the highway.

13. Do you need planning permission to install solar panels?

The government’s bid to reduce carbon emissions means that homeowners are now free to add solar thermal or photovoltaic (PV) panels on roofs or walls, without having to apply for planning permission, provided the units don’t protrude more than 200mm beyond the roof plane and are installed below the highest part of the covering.

Special mounting systems can enable solar panel installation on flat roofs and in gardens. Photo: iStock.com/Rene Notenbomer

The general rule is that these renewables should be sited to minimise visual impact on the dwelling and the locale – and there are specific restrictions in place for conservation areas, world heritage sites and listed buildings. Panels can also be installed on outbuildings or in your garden, but there are strict size limitations for the latter.

14. Do you need to apply for planning permission if you want to install a heat pump?

You can fit a ground or water source heat pump in your garden as permitted development. The only potential snag may be local rules for listed buildings and conservation areas. There are strict size and location limits for air source heat pumps – and only your first installation is allowed under PD. If you do fit a heat pump, it’s important that your model is installed by an accredited Microgeneration Certification scheme (MCS) installer.

Offering the power and efficiency of rival systems in a much smaller package, with the ability to supply both continuous heating and hot water, Kensa Heat Pump’s compact Shoebox NX Ground Source Heat Pump ensures easy installation in the home. A coefficient of performance of up to 4.36 means it can produce four times more heat than it consumes in electricity. This heat pump won the 2024 Build It Award for Best Heat Pump

If you do choose to make the switch to a heat pump, you’ll be able to access the UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), meaning you’ll receive a grant towards the installation of a new heating system.

You can access the following under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

• £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
• £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (this includes water source heat pumps)
• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler

your complete heat pump guide

15. Do you need planning permission to undertake a basement conversion?

If you’re lucky enough to have an existing basement and if extending upwards into the loft or outwards into the garden to create a rear extension isn’t an option for you, refurbishing the space below your home with a basement conversion may be an amazing way to expand the liveable space in your home.

Scenario Architecture designed the renovation of this Victorian semi-detached house, including the extension of the existing underground space. As part of the works, the floor level was dropped significantly to create a sunken home cinema room and gym

Cellars are a common feature in many period properties, but as they were principally designed as a storage space, transforming this dark, often cramped zone into appealing, habitable accommodation can present a few challenges. Headroom is typically one of the biggest obstacles to overcome, as you’ll want a minimum clearance of at least 2m.

Additional structural works, waterproofing and insulation may also be required – not to mention that you’ll probably want to incorporate some means of bringing natural light in.

your complete basement conversion guide

16. Do you need planning permission to underpin a house’s structure?

This type of maintenance on foundations – which is usually designed to stabilise a structure – won’t normally require planning permission, although a formal application could be necessary when underpinning a listed building or a property in a designated area.

17. Will you require planning permission for an outbuilding or garden room?

Erecting new single-storey structures – including summerhouses, garages and garden offices – is allowed under permitted development provided their use is incidental to that of the main dwelling (eg for a gym rather than an extra bedroom).

ByOthers Studio designed this 30m² timber frame garden office, which sits atop a timber floor structure and ground screw foundations. The stylish project features a glass pivot door and Corten steel cladding for a unique finish, with sheepswool insulation to maintain a comfortable interior throughout the seasons. Photo: Lorenzo Zandri

The building must be behind the principal elevation of the house, and you cannot cover more than 50% of the garden with such structures. Height limits also apply.

There are no PD rights for outbuildings in the grounds of listed properties, while in AONBs, conservation areas and national parks, they must not be larger than 10m² if they are more than 20m from the house – among other restrictions.

If you’re able to build your garden room under permitted development, it’ll be wise to consider a Lawful Development Certificate as this proves the work was permitted and will come in handy should you choose to sell your home.

amazing garden room & outbuilding ideas

18. Do you need planning permission for a swimming pool?

Swimming pools come under the same class as outbuildings, so if you’re planning one in a small garden, you should check whether it will fall within the 50% limit on coverage of grounds by buildings.

Lucas Pulak and Agnieszka Zala transformed a dated dwelling in Bromley into a striking family home with a fantastic outdoor area. The garden’s focal feature is the swimming pool, which comes equipped with an outdoor shower and toilet, enabling Lucas and Agnieszka to freshen up without going in the house. Photo: TradePhotographer.com

19. You can build a garden deck under permitted development rights

An external garden deck can be laid provided it isn’t over 300mm above ground level. It’s subject to the same provisos about garden coverage (so counts towards the 50% threshold) and floorplan size in protected areas as apply to outbuildings.

Trekker’s Grooved composite garden decking has a slim profile and is easy to install across a range of applications using clip fixings. The cool-toned planks are ideal for creating a practical, durable and contemporary outdoor area, with the grooved texture helping to prevent a slippy surface

20. Do you need planning permission for fences, gates & walls?

Are you looking to construct a new fence but are unsure whether or not you’ll require planning permission? The good news is that you can build new boundary treatments (such as fences) provided they fall within allotted height restrictions. Those fronting a highway must be a maximum of 1m tall, while a 2m threshold applies elsewhere. This right does not extend to listed buildings.

21. Can you upgrade your driveway without applying for planning permission?

Laying or replacing your home’s driveway or hardstanding is considered permitted development across most parts of a property’s grounds. However, if you’re planning to treat more than 5m² of front garden you must either use a porous surface, such as gravel or permeable block paving. Alternatively, you should direct the rainwater to a lawn or flower bed where it can drain naturally.

Piccolo Setts is a slimline concrete block paving driveway solution by Aggregate Industries is manufactured in the UK and produces around 50% less carbon compared to traditional clay pavers. The pavers are available in terracotta, sepia, smoke, and twilight to suit your exterior design

22. You don’t usually need planning permission to update your home’s landscaping design

While most garden work is clearly permitted, including major changes such as planting hedges, there are a number of restrictions. The most significant is that many trees are protected by preservation orders, so you may need the council’s consent to prune or fell them.

Facit Homes designed and built this house to maximise views of the surrounding woodland. The garden was masterminded by Area Landscape

your complete guide to landscaping

23. Do you need planning permission for a house conversion?

Permitted development rights allow you to convert a range of agricultural and commercial buildings – such as shops, offices and storage units – to domestic use. For example, in England only you can change the use of up to three farm buildings on the same tranche of land, up to a maximum combined footprint of 405m².

Jamie Davidson could convert this barn under Class Q rules – a type of planning permission specifically for transforming agricultural buildings into homes. Although this type of consent is considered to be permitted development (where formal planning isn’t required), there’s still a prior approval process to go through with the local authority. Photo: Exposure Photo Agency

The rules around these projects are complex and, while full planning may not be required, separate prior approval applications do need to be made to the overseeing council.

amazing conversion projects & advice

This article was originally published in July 2023 and has been updated in December 2024.