Dec 29, 2025
If you want to make changes to your home, you might need householder planning permission. This type of permission covers alterations and extensions to a single house, such as adding a room, converting a loft, or building a garage. Understanding when you need it, how to apply, and what it costs can save you time and money.
Householder planning permission is a simplified process designed for homeowners who want to alter or extend their property, with decisions typically made within 8 weeks and standard application fees of £258 for most house alterations. Not all home improvements need this permission, though. Some projects can proceed under permitted development rights, which allow certain works without a full application.
This guide explains the householder planning process from start to finish. You will learn when permission is required, how to apply, what documents you need, and how much it costs. You will also discover what happens after you apply and what to do if your application is refused.
Key Takeaways
Householder planning permission applies to single houses and covers common projects like extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings
Applications cost £258 for most alterations, and decisions are made within 8 weeks of validation
Some home improvements may qualify for permitted development rights and not require a full planning application
What Is Householder Planning Permission?
Householder planning permission is a simplified application process for homeowners who want to alter or extend their single dwelling house. This process differs from full planning permission in its scope and requirements, and only applies to specific types of properties and works.
Definition and Purpose
Householder planning permission is a streamlined application route designed specifically for works to a single dwelling house. It covers alterations, extensions, and improvements within your property boundary or garden. The process falls under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and provides a simpler way to gain approval compared to standard applications.
You'll use this permission type when your planned work goes beyond what's allowed under permitted development rights. The purpose is to ensure your proposed changes meet local and national planning regulations whilst protecting your investment. Planning authorities use householder applications to assess whether your plans align with building standards, neighbourhood character, and planning policies.
This type of permission protects you from enforcement action and legal issues. It confirms your work is legitimate before you start building.
Eligible Properties and Works
Householder planning permission applies only to single dwelling houses. Flats are not eligible for this application type, nor are buildings containing multiple dwellings.
Common projects requiring householder planning permission include:
Extensions and conservatories
Loft conversions and dormer windows
Garages and outbuildings
Swimming pools
Walls, fences, and gates
Porches
Satellite dishes
The work must take place within your property's curtilage or garden. Internal alterations rarely need permission, though some changes to listed buildings or properties in conservation areas may require consent. Your project must not involve a change of use for the property.
Differences from Full Planning Permission
Full planning permission covers a broader range of developments that householder applications cannot address. You'll need full planning permission for flats, multiple dwellings, changes of use, or commercial properties.
Householder applications require fewer supporting documents and typically process faster than full applications. The standard decision timeline is 8 weeks from validation, whilst full planning applications can take 8-13 weeks or longer.
The application fees differ significantly. Householder applications cost £528 for alterations to a single house or £262 for smaller works like fences. Full planning permission fees vary widely based on the development scale and type. Both application types become exempt when the work involves disabled access or improvements for a disabled person's safety, health, or comfort.
When Is Householder Planning Permission Required?
Householder planning permission is needed when you want to make changes to your home that go beyond permitted development rights. The requirement depends on the type of project, its size, and whether your property has special protections like conservation area status or listing.
Common Home Projects Covered
Extensions are one of the most common reasons homeowners need planning permission. If your extension exceeds permitted development limits in height, depth, or proximity to boundaries, you'll need to apply. Single-storey rear extensions that go beyond certain measurements typically require consent.
Loft conversions and dormer windows need permission if they increase the highest part of your roof or face a road. Volume allowances restrict how much you can enlarge your home without permission.
Conservatories follow similar rules to extensions. They need approval if they're too large or close to boundaries.
Garages, outbuildings, car ports, and swimming pools require planning permission when they're placed in front of your house or exceed height limits. Buildings within two metres of a boundary can't be taller than 2.5 metres under permitted development.
Other projects include porches, walls, fences over certain heights, and satellite dishes in visible locations. The specific measurements and restrictions vary based on your property type and location.
Exemptions and Limitations
Permitted development rights allow many projects to proceed without planning permission. Small extensions, replacement windows (in most cases), internal alterations, and certain roof lights often fall within these rights.
However, permitted development has strict conditions. Your project must meet specific size limits, height restrictions, and boundary setbacks. Some work needs prior approval from your council, which is a simpler process than full planning permission.
Tree preservation orders can restrict work affecting protected trees, even within your garden. You'll need consent before cutting, pruning, or removing protected trees.
Permitted development rights can be removed through Article 4 directions in certain areas. Your local planning authority can confirm what rights apply to your property. Previous extensions or alterations may have used up some of your permitted development allowance.
Flats, Listed Buildings, and Conservation Areas
Householder planning applications don't apply to flats. Any alterations to flats require full planning permission instead of the simplified householder route.
Listed building consent is mandatory for any work affecting a listed building's character, both inside and outside. This applies even to minor changes that would normally be permitted development. You need this consent alongside planning permission for most projects.
Properties in a conservation area face additional restrictions. Permitted development rights are more limited, and you need conservation area consent for demolition work. Extensions and alterations often require planning permission even when they wouldn't elsewhere.
These special designations mean you should check with your local planning authority before starting work. The protections exist to preserve historically or architecturally important buildings and areas. Completing work without proper consent can lead to enforcement action and requirements to reverse changes.
Permitted Development Rights and Alternatives
Some home improvements don't require full planning permission under permitted development rights, which are national rules that let you make certain changes without a formal application. Understanding these rights can save you time and money, though some projects still need prior approval or a certificate to confirm they're lawful.
What are Permitted Development Rights?
Permitted development rights allow you to improve and extend your home without applying for planning permission where it would be disproportionate to the impact of the works. These rights are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
You cannot use these rights if your home was created through permitted development conversions from commercial buildings, or if you live in a flat. They also don't apply if your local planning authority has removed them through an Article 4 Direction or if restrictions were placed on the original planning permission for your property.
Different classes cover different types of work. Class A covers extensions and alterations, Class B covers loft conversions with dormers, and Class E covers outbuildings like sheds and garages.
Your property type and location affect what's allowed. Homes in conservation areas, National Parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty face tighter restrictions.
Typical Works Allowed Without Permission
Single storey rear extensions are permitted if they don't extend beyond 6 metres from the rear wall of a detached house or 3 metres for other houses. The maximum height is 4 metres, and eaves height cannot exceed 3 metres.
Side extensions must not exceed 4 metres in height or half the width of the original house. Two storey extensions are more restricted and generally not permitted on Article 2(3) land.
Other common works include:
Loft conversions (without dormers on front-facing roofs)
Porches up to 3 square metres and 3 metres high
Outbuildings covering up to 50% of your garden
Installing roof lights that don't project more than 150mm
All buildings within your curtilage, including extensions and outbuildings, must not cover more than 50% of the total curtilage area (excluding the original house footprint).
Lawful Development Certificates
A Lawful Development Certificate confirms that your proposed work is lawful and doesn't need planning permission. You apply to your local planning authority, which reviews your plans against permitted development rules.
This certificate provides certainty before you start work. It's particularly useful for larger projects where you want written confirmation, or when selling your property in future. Mortgage lenders and solicitors often request proof that extensions were lawful.
The application costs less than full planning permission. Your local authority must decide within 8 weeks, or 12 weeks for more complex cases.
You'll need to submit detailed plans, elevations, and measurements showing your work complies with all relevant limitations and conditions.
Prior Approval Requirements
Some permitted development projects need prior approval from your local planning authority before you start. This is a lighter-touch process than full planning permission but still requires an application.
Larger single storey rear extensions between the standard limits and 8 metres (detached houses) or 6 metres (other houses) need prior approval. Your neighbours receive notification, and they have 21 days to respond. The authority must decide within 42 days.
Agricultural buildings converted to homes and some commercial-to-residential conversions also require prior approval. The authority assesses specific impacts like transport, contamination, flooding, and noise.
You cannot start work until you receive approval or the decision deadline passes. Prior approval focuses only on specific matters listed in the regulations, not general planning considerations.
Householder Planning Application Process
The householder planning application process involves three main stages: seeking pre-application advice from your local planning authority, preparing the required technical drawings, and submitting your application either online through the Planning Portal or by paper.
Pre-Application Advice
Speaking with your local planning authority (LPA) before submitting your application can save you time and money. Most councils offer pre-application advice services where planning officers review your proposals and highlight potential issues.
The cost varies by council. Some charge £50-£100 for basic written advice, whilst others may charge £200-£500 for more detailed feedback. This service is optional but recommended for complex projects.
Pre-application advice helps you understand local planning policies and design requirements. Officers can tell you if your proposal is likely to succeed or needs changes. They may also clarify whether you need additional documents like a heritage statement if your property is in a conservation area.
Required Plans and Drawings
Every householder planning application needs a location plan and a site plan. The location plan shows your property's position in the wider area, typically at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale. You must outline your property boundary in red.
The site plan (also called a block plan) shows your property boundaries, existing buildings, and proposed changes at 1:500 or 1:200 scale. You must include measurements, distances to boundaries, and details of walls, fences, and trees.
Most applications also require existing and proposed floor plans and elevations. These drawings show your building from all sides and must be to scale. You need to specify materials, colours, and finishes. More complex projects may need additional drawings showing cross-sections or landscaping plans.
Online and Paper Submission Options
You can submit your householder planning application through the Planning Portal website or directly via your local planning authority's online system. Online submission is faster and allows you to track your application's progress.
The Planning Portal guides you through each step and validates your documents before submission. You pay the application fee online by debit or credit card. Most councils prefer digital applications as they process them more quickly.
Paper applications are still accepted but take longer to validate. You must print and complete the standard application forms, include paper copies of all plans and drawings, and send a cheque for the application fee. Some planning consultants still submit paper applications for clients who prefer this method.