Before doing work to your home

Please check the following information before starting any work on your home:

Planning history

Does the original planning permission include anything to restrict or prohibit the work you want to do?

Has the property been extended in the past? This may limit what you are now permitted to do.

Legal position

You may need a solicitor to check for restrictions on the land or the type of work you want to do, for example:

• legal title
• restrictive covenants
• rights of way
• conditions previously removed
• permitted development rights

If the current building is unlawful, permitted development will not apply.

Road requirements

Any work carried out must not:

• obstruct the view of people using a public road
• impact how people access or exit from a public road

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Listed building consent may be required for the proposed works if you live in, or close to, a listed building. If you live in a conservation area you may also need permission to alter your property.

Historic monuments

Work proposed in or near any archaeological site or historic monument may require special permission and certain precautions may be required. For more information, contact the Historic Environment Division with the Department for Communities.

Other approvals you may require

Building regulations

Our building control and sustainability team assesses plans to ensure that they comply with building regulations. Their officers will inspect sites at various stages of the development.

Enforcement

If you don't get the proper consent before carrying out building works or changing how land or buildings are used, this is a breach of planning.