A lot of homeowners assume planning permission and building control are the same thing, but they look at different aspects of your project.
At a glance
| Planning permission | Building control | |
|---|---|---|
| What it checks | How your home improvement project affects your neighbours, street, and local area | Whether your work is safe, well-built, and meets building regulations |
| Examples | Extensions, changes to external appearance, new buildings, changes of use | Structural changes, electrical safety, insulation, drainage, fire safety |
| Who handles it | The council’s planning department | The council’s Building Control service (or an Approved Inspector) |
| When it is needed | Before any work starts | During construction and before completion |
| Outcome | A planning decision notice (approved/refused) | A completion certificate confirming the work meets regulations |
When you need both
Many home improvement projects require both planning permission and building control approval.
Examples include:
- extensions or conservatories
- loft or garage conversions
- structural alterations (removing walls, changing roofs, etc.)
- new windows or doors that alter the appearance of your home.
How the two processes work together
Planning permission usually comes first.
Once planning consent is granted, you can then apply for building control approval to check your design and construction meet building regulations.
Here’s how they usually fit together:
- Check if permission is needed - use council guidance or the Planning Portal.
- Apply for planning permission.
- Once planning is approved - submit your building control application.
- Building inspections take place - our surveyors visit the site at key stages during the construction or renovation phase.
- Completion certificate issued - confirms the work meets standards.
Find out more about our building control service >>
What happens if you only need one
You might only need planning permission if you're:
- altering the appearance but not the structure
- installing a new boundary wall, fence, or gate.
You might only need building control approval if you're:
- doing internal structural work (removing a wall or installing stairs)
- replacing windows, if the property is not a flat, not listed or not located in a conservation area, rewiring, or upgrading insulation.
If in doubt, always check before starting work. It’s easier (and cheaper) to confirm early than to fix issues later.
Why these approvals matter
Both planning and building control exist to protect you, your neighbours, and the wider community.
They help to ensure:
- new work fits safely and sensitively within the local area
- homes are structurally sound, warm, and energy efficient
- extensions don’t negatively impact neighbours’ privacy or light
- any work is properly recorded for future buyers or mortgage lenders.
