Most developments require local council consent through Planning Permission or a Certificate of Lawfulness.

Planning permission is needed for most new buildings, extensions to flats or maisonettes, and changes that affect a building’s external appearance. It is also required for dividing a home into separate living spaces, using a caravan as a residence, or converting part of a home for business use.

Other cases include building a parking space for a commercial vehicle, altering original planning conditions, obstructing road views, or creating new access to main roads. Interior changes and minor exterior alterations usually don’t require permission, except for listed or conservation area buildings.