01
Planning permission
Some extensions are permitted development; others need a planning application. The rules differ by property, location and previous alterations.
Planning permission overviewOfficial starting points
Approvals before assumptions.
Planning, Building Regulations, Party Wall matters and construction safety are separate responsibilities. These links help you begin with the right public guidance.
02
Building Regulations
Approval is separate from planning and commonly applies to structural alterations, extensions, thermal upgrades and controlled services.
Building Regulations approval03
Party Wall matters
Work near a shared wall, boundary or neighbouring excavation may engage the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Party Wall guidance04
CDM client duties
Domestic and commercial clients have health-and-safety duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
HSE domestic client guidance05
Competent trades
Gas work must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Certain electrical work requires notification or certification.
Find registered tradespeople06
Workplace fire safety
Commercial refurbishment can affect fire precautions, escape routes and the responsible person’s duties.
Workplace fire guidance07
Planning Portal
The Planning Portal provides project-specific starting points for common home improvement work in England and Wales.
Extension guidance08
Clear written contracts
A clear scope, price basis, programme, change process and responsibilities should be agreed before construction starts.
JCT homeowner contractsThis page is general information, not legal, planning, structural, fire-safety or building-control advice. Confirm requirements with the relevant authority and appointed professionals for your property.