Planning permission and Building Regulations are two entirely separate approvals, and it is one of the most common points of confusion for homeowners starting a renovation.
Planning Permission: The “What” and “Where”
Planning permission is about whether a proposed development is acceptable in its location — considering things like the impact on neighbours, the character of the area, and the size and position of the new structure relative to your boundaries.
Building Regulations: The “How”
Building Regulations are concerned with how the work is actually built — structural safety, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, and electrical safety. Building Regulations apply to almost all building work, including projects that do not need planning permission at all.
Do You Need Both?
Many projects, such as loft conversions carried out under Permitted Development, need Building Regulations approval only. Others, such as a large rear extension or a change of use, need both planning permission and Building Regulations sign-off.
What Happens Without Sign-Off
Work carried out without the required Building Regulations approval can create serious problems when you come to sell your property, including requiring costly retrospective inspections or even remedial work.
How We Handle It
Every project we quote includes an assessment of exactly which approvals are needed, and we manage the Building Control inspections and sign-off as a standard part of the build — not an afterthought.
