Building Control

Do I need Building Regulation Permission?

Building regulations - alterations to homes, changing use and exemptions

If you are considering making alterations to your home, you may need approval under the building regulations. You need to let us know if you are planning any of the following types of work.

Building an extension
Removing inside walls or chimney breasts
Creating rooms in the loft space
Re-roofing and altering gables
Altering plumbing and drainage
Installing heating appliances
Replacing or installing windows
Rewiring your house
Supplying an electrical power to a garage or outhouse
Providing external lighting or power sockets
Building a garage or carport on the side of the property
Building a detached garage or outbuilding

You may also need planning permission for your building work or alterations.

If in doubt, check with the Development Control Group.

You will need to make an application under the building regulations if you want to change the use of a property:

To a home
To a flat
To a hotel or boarding house; or
For institutional purposes (for example, a hospital, a nursing home, or a home for caring for elderly people or children)

You will not normally need building regulations permission for the following:

Small, detached single-storey buildings containing no sleeping accommodation (for example, a detached garage or workshop), that is less than 30 square metres in floor area, is made of non-combustible materials and is at least 1 metre from the boundary
Small detached buildings that contain no sleeping accommodation and that are less than 15 square metres in floor area
An extension at ground level with a floor area of less than 30 square metres which is used either as a porch, conservatory, covered way or carport (open on at least 2 sides)

Note: Glazing in a porch or conservatory must meet the requirements of part N of the building regulations (safety glass).