Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Permission

Planning Permission Questions and Answers

If you’re new to staging a development, the planning process can be overwhelming. Then again, even if you’re an experienced developer or planner, changes to legislation, planning policy and relevant regulations can suddenly affect how you operate.

From extending your home to developing a commercial plot of land, it’s important to get the right advice early, whether it’s about different elements of planning permission, the specific types of consent, or a matter affected by the development you’re working on. With our expert planning consultant team, Arbtech can offer you clarity and settle any nerves.

It doesn’t matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are – a simple online search doesn’t always get you the answer you need or a full picture of what you’re dealing with.

Across this page, we’ve answered a lot of the questions planning permission often raises, giving you the confidence to move forward with your planning project and take the next step in the right way.

General

Can planning permission be changed?

Yes, but the planning application process depends on the scale of the change. Minor tweaks can often be handled via a non-material amendment, while larger changes may require a new use application or a variation of planning conditions.

Can planning permission be extended?

Standard full planning permission usually requires you to begin work within three years. If you haven’t started, you cannot simply extend it; you will usually need to apply again with a fresh householder application or full submission.

Can planning permission be reversed?

While rare, a local authority can issue an enforcement notice if the work doesn’t match the approved planning applications. In extreme cases of error, a local planning authority has the power to revoke permission, though this involves a larger number of legal hurdles.

Can planning permission be withdrawn?

You can withdraw your own application form at any point before the planning committee or officer makes a final decision – something that is often done to make changes based on feedback from a planning officer.

Does planning permission expire?

Yes. In most cases, you must start the development within the timeframe stated on your decision notice (usually three years). If it expires, you lose your development rights for that specific plan.

How do you apply for planning permission?

The most efficient way is to apply online via the planning portal website. You will need to submit a location plan and the correct fee, as well as a design and access statement for more complex sites.

How long does it take to get planning permission?

For a standard new home or extension, the statutory limit is eight weeks. If the council is taking longer due to staff shortages, however, it can take up to 13 weeks.

How much does planning permission cost?

As of April 2026, the fee for a single dwellinghouse extension in England is £548. You can find further information on the excellent resource that is the Planning Portal’s fee calculator.

How long does planning permission last?

In most cases, full planning permission or a householder application approval is valid for three years. You must start work within this timeframe. Otherwise, the permission will lapse, and you will need to apply again. Once a material start is made on-site, the permission is generally secured indefinitely.

What is the 10-year rule for retrospective planning permission?

The old 4-year limit was scrapped in 2024. Now, for almost all new planning applications regarding unauthorised work, the council has a 10-year window to take action. After this, you can apply for lawful development certificates to formalise the status.

House Extensions & Interior Works

Do you need planning permission for a kitchen extension?

A single-storey rear extension often falls under permitted development rights, provided it doesn’t exceed height and depth limits relative to the original house.

Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?

You generally don’t need planning permission for a basic conversion, but you must stay within a specific class use and volume limit (40 cubic metres for terraced houses).

Do you need planning permission for a dormer?

Many dormers are class A permitted developments. If they face the highway or are in a designated area, however, you will require planning permission.

Do you need planning permission for a porch?

You usually don’t, provided the ground floor area is under 3 square metres and it’s no higher than 3 metres. It must also stay at least 2 metres away from the property boundary if that boundary is next to a road.

Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?

In most cases, a conservatory is permitted. It must not, however, exceed 50% of the land around the original house and must stay within specific height limits to avoid needing a full planning application.

Do you need planning permission to convert a garage?

Most garage conversions fall under permitted development rights because the work is internal. You should still check for local restrictions or Article 4 directions that might have removed these rights in your local area.

Do you need planning permission for an orangery?

Like a conservatory, an orangery is often permitted. If it’s a larger project, you might need to use the ‘Prior Approval’ use application process to extend further than standard limits.

Do you need planning permission for a mezzanine floor?

Internal floors don’t usually require planning permission, but they often need building regulations approval to ensure that the new structure is safe and fire-compliant.

Do you need planning permission for a Juliet balcony?

A Juliet balcony is generally allowed under class A rights as long as it has no platform or floor. If it includes a walk-out area, it becomes a standard balcony and will need to apply for permission.

Do you need planning permission to add a window?

You can usually add windows under your development rights, but any new first-floor side window must be obscure-glazed and non-opening to protect the privacy of the surrounding area.

Do you need planning permission for bifold doors or patio doors?

Creating new openings for bifold or patio doors is typically permitted. You must, however, ensure that the building work doesn’t weaken the structure of the house.

Do you need planning permission to remove an internal wall?

For standard homes, no. For listed buildings, however, you will always need listed building consent before removing any internal fabric, as they have special architectural or historic interest.

Do you need planning permission to remove a chimney?

Removing a chimney is usually permitted, but you must ensure that the remaining stack is properly supported. If your home is in a conservation area, you should check if the chimney is considered a key feature of the building’s character.

Outbuildings & Garden Structures

Do you need planning permission for a garden room, log cabin or summer house?

All of them are permitted if they are single-storey and ‘incidental’ to the house. If you are building near mature trees, check for any level of tree protection surrounding the tree like a tree preservation order (TPO), as roots can be damaged by foundations.

Do you need planning permission for an annexe or a modular home?

Yes. Because they are intended for use as a new home or self-contained living space, they generally require a full planning application to ensure the proposed development aligns with local housing standards.

Do you need planning permission for a shed or a greenhouse?

They don’t usually need planning permission, provided they aren’t placed forward of the front wall of your house and don’t take up too much garden space.

Do you need planning permission for a carport or canopy?

They are permitted if they meet the height rules for outbuildings. If you’re unsure, seeking further information from your local authority website is a good starting point.

Do you need planning permission for stables?

Private stables are often permitted in large gardens, but you will need to submit planning applications if they are for commercial use or located on agricultural land.

Do you need planning permission for a polytunnel?

Smaller ones are fine, but large and permanent polytunnels may require permission if the local planning authority deems them a permanent change to the land.

Do you need planning permission for a swimming pool?

Outdoor pools are usually permitted. You will just need to ensure that your sewage plans are compliant and that the pool doesn’t create a flood risk.

Do you need planning permission for a garden wall?

You can build a wall up to 2 metres high (or 1 metre by a road). If you are building on a boundary, double-check your property information to ensure that you aren’t encroaching on a neighbour’s land.

External Changes

Do you need planning permission for rendering or cladding?

It is usually permitted unless you live in a national park or an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), where external materials are more strictly controlled.

Do you need planning permission for a driveway or a dropped kerb?

A new driveway is permitted if it is porous. For a dropped kerb, you must apply through the council’s highways mapping team.

Do you need planning permission for landscaping?

Minor changes are fine, but not all work is exempt. Significant changes to ground levels might require a lawful development certificate to prove they are legal.

Do you need planning permission for a gate or a balcony?

Gates follow the same height rules as walls. Full balconies almost always need permission because they affect the privacy of those nearby.

Energy, Technology & Infrastructure

Do you need planning permission for solar panels or heat pumps?

Most are permitted. For a heat pump, however, there are specific noise and siting rules to follow under national planning policies.

Do you need planning permission for an EV charger?

Wall-mounted chargers are permitted. You only need to apply if the installation is in a designated area and exceeds certain size limits.

Do you need planning permission for air conditioning?

External units are usually permitted if they are small, but check your local planning policies regarding noise.

Do you need planning permission for a wood burner?

No, but the flue must not exceed the roof height by more than 1 metre.

Do you need planning permission for a septic tank?

You usually don’t need planning for the tank itself, but you must follow environment agency (EA) rules for drainage.

Do you need planning permission for bollards?

Private bollards on your own land are generally fine.

Land Use & Special Cases

Do you need planning permission to demolish a house?

Yes, you must usually apply for ‘Prior Approval’ so the council can check your demolition plan.

Do you need planning permission for a temporary structure?

Structures on the application site for more than 28 days usually need permission.

Do you need planning permission for glamping pods, shepherd’s huts or static caravans?

If they involve a change of use of the land for business, you will likely need to submit a plan to the planning committee.

Any Other Questions?

Whenever a planning project consists of a significant increase in floor space or a substantial change to the height and scale of the building, it is likely that planning permission will be needed. And without planning permission, you will be unable to move forward.

For proposals involving heritage assets, a consultation with Historic England is often necessary, and many local councils now take at least two weeks to validate a submission before a case officer even starts working on the file. Likewise, even in common projects, you may need to consider visual impact or any sort of negative impact that could come from your plans.

If you haven’t found the answer you were looking for on this page, feel free to get in touch with us directly over the phone, via email or by completing an online form on our website. Our contact details are available on our helpful contact page, and however you get in touch, one of our team can help you.

You can ask for planning advice from Arbtech or find guidance on our website – whatever you decide, we’re here to support your plans.