Making changes to our houses can feel like a never-ending task, from putting up fresh wallpaper to having new ceiling lights fitted and keeping on top of chipped paint.

But sometimes you might want to alter how the outside of your home looks too, by extending the side to add another bedroom or making it bigger at the back with a conservatory.

However, although renovation plans can be exciting, when we want to significantly change how our property’s exterior looks, sometimes planning permission is needed.

When do you need planning permission in England?

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In some cases, it’s needed if you want to build something new, make a major change to your building, such as building an extension, or to change the use of your building, reports GOV.UK.

It’s best to find out if your project will need planning permission by contacting your local planning authority (LPA) through your council.

Explaining the use of Community Rights in England, GOV.UK says: “If your building project benefits the local community, and the community supports it, you may not have to go through the normal planning permission process.

“Neighbourhood planning lets your community grant planning permission directly under certain circumstances.”

How to apply for planning permission

Oxford Mail: Did you apply for planning permission recently?Did you apply for planning permission recently? (Image: Getty)

Find your LPA here to begin the process of applying for planning permission.

GOV.UK adds: “If your project needs planning permission and you do the work without getting it, you can be served an ‘enforcement notice’ ordering you to undo all the changes you have made.”

It’s illegal to ignore an enforcement notice but you can appeal against it.

Once your application is submitted, your LPA will decide whether to grant planning permission for your project based on its development plan.

At this stage, it will not take into account whether local people want it.

What side of the fence am I responsible for in the UK?

GOV.UK says to decide whether a planning application fits with its development plan, an LPA will look at:

  • the number, size, layout, siting and external appearance of buildings
  • the infrastructure available, such as roads and water supply
  • any landscaping needs
  • what you want to use the development for
  • how your development would affect the surrounding area - for example, if it would create lots more traffic

Recommended reading:

How long does planning permission take in England?

In England, for unusually large or complex applications the time limit is 13 weeks, according to GOV.UK.

However, in most cases applications are usually decided within eight weeks.

Find out more information about planning applications on the GOV.UK website or speak to your local council for advice.