Revealed: The home renovations that don’t need planning permission
Plenty of loft conversions don't require planning permission. Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Considering a renovation but not sure if you need planning permission? A new interactive tool can help with that.
Comparethemarket.com has put together a list of five home enhancements you can commence without the usual layers of red tape - assuming you adhere to the required size regulations.
Adding a porch isn't generally problem as long as it's no more than 3 metres above ground level, doesn't exceed 3 square metres in size and no part of it is within 2 metres of the home's boundary.
Sheds, summerhouses, greenhouses and garages are also fair game so long as they measure less than 15 square metres and aren't used for sleeping in.
In some areas, loft conversions don't need planning permission if they're no higher than the highest part of the roof and made in a similar material to the rest of the house.
Conservatories and fences are also generally OK, subject to size restrictions, though other criteria can apply to all of the above.
You may also want to watch:
As ever, it's important to carry out the relevant checks before choosing a builder.
Chris King, head of home at Comparethemarket.com, said: "Make sure you've checked their reputation and they have the right liability insurance in place should they damage your property.
Most Read
- 1 More things which have gone but are not forgotten in St Albans
- 2 Your school heroes - praise for teachers and support staff during third lockdown
- 3 'Kick-ass' St Albans business campaigns for period pants tax removal
- 4 Property Spotlight: A stunning conversion in the heart of Harpenden
- 5 COVID-19 accounted for over 15 per cent of St Albans' deaths, says ONS data
- 6 14 St Albans things that are gone but not forgotten
- 7 Woman loses more than £1000 in St Albans cashpoint distraction scam
- 8 'We are determined to get on top of this, and we will': Inside St Albans' COVID vaccination centre
- 9 Is lockdown working in Herts? Here's what the latest data tells us
- 10 St Albans district has Herts' lowest COVID-19 infection rate
"Most home insurance policies don't cover poor or faulty workmanship so if the work carried out is poor or unfinished, it's likely your home insurance wouldn't be able to step in and come to the rescue."