Before you make improvements always check if you need planning permission, building regulation approval, or both. If you go ahead without permission or approval, you may end up having to put things back to how they were.

Planning permission

You’ll generally need planning permission if you want to:

• build something new
• build an extension
• change the current use of your building

The planning portal website will tell you more about when you do and when you don’t need planning permission.

You won’t generally need planning permission for changes inside a building or minor alterations to the outside, or to put up walls or fences below a certain height.

Do you need building regulation approval?

As well as getting planning permission you may need separate approval for a new building, extension or major alteration.

Your work needs to reach certain standards so that the building is safe and energy efficient.

Generally you’ll need building control approval for:

• new buildings
• extensions
• loft conversions
• changes to the structure of the building
• change the use of buildings
• home improvements such as a new boiler, radiators, bathroom, fuse box, electric, windows, doors and roofing

You can find out more on the local authority control website.