General repairs and maintenance
You do not need to apply for planning permission:
- For repairs or maintenance
In the case of houses only:
- For minor improvements, such as painting your house or replacing windows (unless building is listed)
- For internal alterations
- For the insertion of windows, skylights or roof lights (but, if you want to create a new bay window, it will be treated as an extension of the house)
- For the installation of solar panels which, in Planning Services view, do not project significantly beyond the roof slope; and To re-roof your house (but additions to the roof are treated as extensions to the house)
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works whether internal or external . You also may need planning permission to alter, repair or maintain a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.
If you live in a Conservation Area, you will need to apply for planning permission before cladding the outside of your house with stone, tiles, artificial stone, plastic or timber.
Normal maintenance work to the outside of houses, shops or factories does not need planning permission; nor is it needed for internal alterations or for most demolition work. However, there are exceptions to the rule such as works to a Listed Building, Buildings of Townscape Merit or where an Article 4 Direction has been served.