Planning guides
Plain-English reference guides, reviewed and updated in place. Each shows when it was last reviewed.
Extensions and lofts
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Do I need planning permission for a basement?
Most basement projects in London need full planning permission. Learn how borough basement policies and construction management plans affect your scheme.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion in London?
When a London loft conversion is permitted development, when it needs planning permission, and how conservation areas, flats and Article 4 directions change the answer.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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Do I need planning permission for a rear extension?
Learn when a rear extension needs planning permission or falls under permitted development, including size limits, height rules and the 45-degree test.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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Party wall agreements vs planning permission: what's the difference?
Understand how party wall agreements and planning permission differ, when you need each, and how the two regimes work alongside your building project.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
Heritage, conservation and protected land
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Can I build on Green Belt land? Rules, exceptions and grey belt explained
A plain-English guide to building on UK Green Belt land: what it means, very special circumstances, key exceptions and the grey belt debate.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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Do I need listed building consent? A homeowner's guide
Understand when listed building consent is required for works to a listed building in the UK, including internal works, grades, and criminal liability.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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What can't I do in a conservation area? A homeowner's guide
Conservation area rules explained: Article 4 directions, roof and dormer limits, demolition control, tree protection, windows and how to check your status.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
Permitted development and change of use
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Change of use: what needs planning permission?
A plain-English guide to change of use in England: Use Class E flexibility, Sui Generis, Class MA residential conversions and prior approval.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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Why permitted development doesn't apply to flats
Permitted development rights cover houses, not flats. Learn why leaseholders and flat owners need planning permission and what to do instead.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
How the process works
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How long does planning permission take? UK timescales explained
Understand UK planning permission timescales: the 8-week (56-day) and 13-week (91-day) targets, validation, extensions of time and what causes delays.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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How much does a planning application cost? A UK guide
Understand UK planning application costs: statutory fee categories, householder vs full applications, professional fees and when pre-app pays off.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
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Planning permission refused: what are your options now?
Refused planning permission? Understand your realistic choices: appeal, free resubmission, amend and reapply, or read the officer's report.
Reviewed 3 July 2026
London planning, weekly
The Weekly Approvals Digest: the week’s notable approvals, borough by borough. Free; unsubscribe any time.