Do internal alterations require planning permission?

You should not need to apply for planning permission for internal alterations including building or removing an internal wall. If you live in a listed building, however, you will need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external.

Do you need planning permission to change office to residential?





While office to residential conversions do NOT require planning permission, every development should conform to the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS), an optional requirement designed to ensure that sufficient space has been allocated for storage, bathrooms, sleeping and food preparation.

Can planning permission be changed?

Yes: it’s possible to make changes to an existing planning permission and to change a recently approved planning permission. Our handy guide below will show you the easiest ways to make amendments after receiving planning permission.

Can you change internal layout after planning permission in South Africa?

Changing internal features
As long as they do not affect the structural safety of the building, internal walls can be knocked down without planning approval to create an open-plan layout that will completely change the look and feel of a home,” says Goslett.

Do I need building Regs for internal alterations?

All structural alterations require building regulations approval. Internal structural alterations are changes to any part of the building that provides support to something else above it. Structural alterations may include removal of chimney breasts or knocking down load-bearing walls.

Do you need building regs for removal of internal wall?





In most cases, knocking down an internal wall will require Building Regulations consent, although there are times when it may not be required. When removing internal walls, Building Regulations will usually apply if they’re providing any protection in the case of a fire.

Can you turn an office into a house?

Can I convert an office into residential units? The answer is yes you can and you don’t need planning permission, however, you will need to make a Prior Approval application.

Can offices be changed to residential?

Before you start the works for converting your office units into residential units, you need to make a prior approval application. Your application should include a full set of drawings and supporting documents relating to the transport and highway impacts, contamination risks, flood risks and noise.

How do you get change of use from commercial to residential?

How to Convert a Commercial Property to Residential

  1. Step one – check if it’s an exception. …
  2. Step two – identify the building’s ‘use class’ …
  3. Step three – work out if you require planning permission. …
  4. Step four – work out a budget. …
  5. Step five – arranging the finances. …
  6. Step six – finding the right property.


What alterations do I need for planning permission?

Do I need planning permission?

  • Extensions. An addition or extension to your house* is generally considered to be permitted development. …
  • Garages, sheds and other outbuildings. …
  • Paving over the front garden. …
  • Windows and doors. …
  • External walls and roof. …
  • Wind turbines and solar panels. …
  • Fences, gates, and walls. …
  • Trees and hedges.

Do you need planning permission for renovation?

Whether or not you need planning permission all depends on what sort of refurb you have in mind, and how much structural work is involved. Some projects will require building regulations approval (aka building control), but not planning permission.

Do I need planning permission to add a bathroom?



You won’t normally need planning permission for a new bathroom unless it’s a part of a new house extension. If it’s in a listed building however, you’ll need to contact your local planning authority and you may need listed building consent.

Do you need planning permission for knocking down internal wall?

Do I need planning permission? Generally, you don’t need to apply for planning permission for internal alterations, including removing internal walls. However, if you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works, internal or external.

What is the 4 year rule in planning permission?

The ‘4 Year Rule’ allows you to make a formal application for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised use or development can become lawful through the passage of time — rather than compliance with space standards — and can continue without the need for planning permission.

What happens if I don’t get building regs?

If you fail to comply with building regulations, we’ll serve you with an enforcement notice and take legal action.

Can I sell my house without building regulations certificate?



While it’s almost impossible to sell a house without building regulations, you could sell an undervalued property to a cash buyer because they won’t be needing to meet the mortgage lender’s criteria.

Can I get a building regs certificate after work is done?

In order to grant a certificate, they would have to check the work had been done correctly, which would mean opening up some of the work. This is why an indemnity policy will not be granted if any approach has been made to the local authority.

Are building regulations enforceable after 10 years?

Despite the fact that there is no time limit on the local authority’s right to apply for an injunction, it is generally accepted that if 10 years or more have passed since the work was carried out then there is no serious risk of action fro breach of building regulations being taken.

How far back can planning permission be enforced?

By law, a planning permission may expire after a certain period of time that is usually set out in the planning condition. Unless a planning permission says otherwise, the applicant has three years from the date of it being granted to begin development.

Do I need retrospective after 10 years?



The 4 Year Rule applies to Class C3 houses and flats after four years of continuous use. The 10 Year Rule applies to other uses, such as C4 Houses in Multiple Occupation. But there are situations where action can be taken even after these time limits are up, in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act.