We know the pain of getting planning permission just to build something on your own property. Not only does it cost extra money, but you also lose out on your precious time to get it approved.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best projects you can do without permission planning.

What is permitted development?

Before we get into the types of projects you could do without permission planning, you need to understand what permitted development is.

Permitted development allows you to do certain projects without the need for permission planning.

However, with permitted development come many requirements for the type of projects you can do. As a result, some of the projects list will have very specific requirements to not require any planning permission.

Install a garden room

A room in your garden is a great way to create extra functional space in your garden without the need for an extension. 

This extra space can be used for a home gym, game room or a work-from-home office. It is up to you to decide what you want to do with your garden room, the sky’s the limit.

However, there are a few requirements you need to follow so you do not need to apply for planning permission:

  • The height of the building must be lower than 2.5m from ground level.
  • The internal floor area must be less than 30m^2.
  • The garden room must not be used for persons to sleep in.

Add a standard loft conversion

A loft conversion can be a solution to the extra space you need for an extra bedroom or office without breaking the bank. 

You can add a standard loft conversion to your home under PD if the loft area will be less than 40m^3. Also, with PD you can add dormer windows, but the windows cannot sit more than the highest part of the roof.

Install skylights or rooflights

You can install skylights or rooflights without planning permission if they are more than 15cm from the slope of the roof.

However, the rooflight cannot extend beyond the elevation of the roof-plane fronting a highway. Also, the rooflight is not allowed at an apartment near a protected area or a protected area of natural beauty.

Replace roof

You do not need planning permission if you want to re-roof your home, but if you plan to make drastic changes to your roof you must contact your council.

Convert a garage

If you have a garage that you do not use you can convert it to a functional space to fulfil your lifestyle needs.
You do not need to apply for planning permission to convert a garage because you are not increasing the size of your home. But, you will have to apply for a change of use under building regulations.

Dig a basement

It is possible to dig a basement for your home as it falls under PD, but engineering works for the basement are not possible under PD.

Install solar panels

You can install solar panels to your home without planning permission if you follow these requirements:

  • The solar panels must not protrude more than 200mm above the plane of the wall or roof. 
  • The highest part of the panel must not be higher than the highest part of the roof excluding the chimney.
  • Restrictions do apply to protected areas.

This is a great way to reduce your energy bill and carbon footprint, so do not miss out on this great piece of technology for your home.

Repair, replace or add windows

In most cases you can repair and replace windows with ones of the same style without planning permission. But, if you want to add windows that are significantly different from your originals, then you need planning permission.

Additionally, if your building is not listed then you can install double-glazing as PD. But, you do need to follow building regulations for new and larger windows.

Build conservatories without planning permission

To build a conservatory without permission planning, you need to follow a few rules:

  • Maximum height of 4m or 3m if the conservatory is within a 2m boundary..
  • Does not cover more than half the garden.
  • The roof ridge is not higher than the eaves of the property’s roof.

Conservatories are really worth it if you do not want to spend much money to increase your living space without the paperwork.

Construct an outbuilding

If you have a large plot of land to spare, then you can construct an outbuilding without planning permission if you meet the criteria: 

Extensions in single stories

Extensions are also possible without planning permission, but you do need to follow a few rules for single storey extensions:

  • Materials should be the same or similar to the original building.
  • Extension should not sit forward of the principal elevation.
  • Rear extensions cannot be more than 4m in depth for a detached house, and no more than 3m for terraced or semi-detached.
  • Side extensions cannot be more than half the width of the original house.

Change external cladding

To change external cladding without permission only applies to certain parts of the UK, it is best to contact council for more guidance.

Reconfigure internal floor plan

You do not have to apply for permission planning to reconfigure your internal floor plan. 

What’s even better is that you do not need to follow any criteria or guidelines.

Install a raised deck

To install a raised deck without permission planning you need to just make sure the height is below 300mm.

Elevate space with a two-storey rear extension

A two-storey rear extension without any permission planning sounds like a pipe dream, but it is certainly possible. All you need to do is make sure the extension:

  • Does not exceed 3m in depth.
  • Within 7m of a rear boundary.

However, certain conditions apply to glazed windows for the extension.

Build a swimming pool

To build a swimming pool without planning permission you need to make sure the size does not exceed more than 50% of the total garden area.

The summer heat can be hard to deal with sometimes, so a swimming pool can be the perfect solution to cool down.

Install heat pumps

Usually you do not need planning permission to install a heat pump, but under PD you cannot have an existing wind turbine near the property.

Convert two homes into one

Do you feel like your current house is not big enough and you do not want to move?

Then you can convert two homes into one under PD using two semi-detached houses or 2 flats.

However, it does not work the same the other way round. You need planning permission if you want to turn your one home into two.

Add a fence or a wall

To add a fence or a wall to your property without planning permission, you need to follow a set of criteria:

  • Height cannot exceed 1m adjacent to the highway.
  • Height cannot exceed 2m for every other position.

This is great if you want more privacy and better security, so it is definitely worth installing.

Add extra insulation

Since insulation does not affect the appearance or structure of your property, then planning permission is not required.