Tools · Planning permission

Do I need planning permission?

Pick your project and answer a few questions. You’ll see whether it fits England’s permitted development rules, with every limit cited to the official guidance, and what your council actually approves, from real planning decisions across 383 councils and planning authorities.

Rear extensionA single storey extension on the back of a house can often be built without planning permission, within strict limits on depth, height and position.Conservatory or orangeryA conservatory counts as an extension in planning law. The same single storey rear extension limits decide whether it needs planning permission.Side extensionA single storey side extension can be permitted development, but the limits are tighter than for a rear extension and it is not permitted development at all on designated land.Two storey extensionA two storey rear extension can be permitted development within tight limits: no more than 3 metres deep, at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, and a matching roof.Loft conversion or dormerMost loft conversions are permitted development if the added roof space stays within 40 cubic metres (terraced houses) or 50 cubic metres (semi detached and detached), and the dormer stays off the front roof.Garden room, office or outbuildingSheds, garden offices and other outbuildings are often permitted development if they stay single storey, within strict height limits, behind the front of the house, and are used as an extra room rather than a separate home.PorchA porch is permitted development if it stays within 3 square metres, no taller than 3 metres, and at least 2 metres from any boundary with a road.Driveway or dropped kerbPaving a front garden is usually permitted development if the surface is permeable or drains to a garden area. The dropped kerb itself always needs separate permission from the highway authority.Fence, garden wall or gateFences, walls and gates are permitted development up to 2 metres high, or 1 metre where they face a road used by vehicles.

How this checker works

The rules come from the official permitted development guidance for England, checked against the source on 2026-07-17, and every question links to the exact rule it tests. The local numbers come from real council planning decisions on the public record, updated to 2026-07-15. What it cannot see: an Article 4 direction, a condition on an earlier permission, or rights already used up. It tells you that with every answer, and the way to be certain is a Lawful Development Certificate from your council.

Common questions

What is permitted development?

Permitted development rights let houses in England make certain changes, like modest extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings, without a planning application, as long as every limit in the rules is met. The limits are set nationally and cover size, height and position.

How much does a planning application cost in England?

A householder planning application in England costs £548 from 1 April 2026. Work within the garden, such as outbuildings, gates, fences and walls, is £272. Fees are indexed each year.

How do I get certainty that I don't need planning permission?

Apply to your council for a Lawful Development Certificate. For a proposed project it costs half the application fee (£274 for householder work) and gives you a formal decision you can rely on when you sell.

Do these rules apply to flats?

No. Householder permitted development rights apply to houses. Flats and maisonettes need planning permission for external changes, and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own version of the rules.

Guidance from the public rules, not legal advice. Your council has the final say on any project.

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