Planning permission is the bit of a building project people worry about most, and understand least. The good news is that a lot of home improvements don't need full planning permission at all, because they fall under permitted development. Here's a plain guide for Durham homeowners.
This is general guidance, not formal advice on your specific property. We assess the planning position at the free site visit and handle any application for you as part of the job.
Permitted development rights let you carry out certain work without a full planning application, within set limits on size, height and position. Many single-storey rear extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings fall under it, which is why not every extension needs a planning battle.
The limits are specific, though, and they're tighter for some properties than others. Going beyond the limits means you need full planning permission.
You generally need full planning permission for larger or two-storey extensions beyond permitted development limits, anything affecting the front of the house facing a road, and most work in designated areas. If you're extending significantly, changing the use of a building, or building close to a boundary, assume you may need it and check.
Durham has significant conservation areas, particularly around the historic city, and a number of listed buildings. In these, permitted development rights are restricted and you may need conservation area consent or listed building consent on top of planning permission. The rules are stricter and the detail matters, so these always warrant proper checking.
Planning permission and building regulations are two different things. Even when you don't need planning permission, building regulations almost always apply to structural work, and they're what ensure the work is safe and sound. We handle building control sign-off and provide the completion certificates as standard.
Often a single-storey extension is permitted development, but it depends on size, position and whether you're in a conservation area. We check and handle any application to Durham County Council.
It lets you carry out certain work without a full planning application, within set limits on size, height and position. Many extensions and loft conversions fall under it.
Yes. Permitted development rights are restricted in conservation areas and for listed buildings, and you may need additional consents. These always warrant proper checking.
No, they're separate. Even without planning permission, building regulations almost always apply to structural work. We handle building control sign-off.
Yes, we assess the position at the free site visit and handle any planning and building control as part of the job.
Whatever the brief, the route in is the same: ring us, we'll visit, we'll come back with a fixed price in plain English. Free site visits across Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle.
Or email enquiries@atkinsonsgroup.co.uk
No call-out charge for quotes. Fixed prices, in writing.
