Planning Permission and Building Regulations are two separate legal requirements, and many homeowners are unsure which one applies to their project. Our Birmingham Building Control experts explain the differences, when each approval is required and how to ensure your extension, conversion or new build complies with the latest regulations before work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need Planning Permission or Building Regulations approval?

  Whether you need approval depends on two separate systems: Planning Permission (how a building looks and fits in the area) and Building Regulations (how a building is constructed and made safe). You might need both, just one, or neither depending on your project. You can check specific rules using the Planning Portal or the GOV.UK Building Regulations Guide.

• Can I start work before approval is granted?

  Starting work before approval depends on the type of consent needed; you must never start work before getting planning permission, but you can often start building control work shortly after submitting a notice, though doing so carries legal and financial risks.

• What happens if work has already started?

  If work starts before planning permission is granted, the development is unauthorized and risks council enforcement action, but you can apply for retrospective planning permission or stop work to wait for a pending decision.

• Can Building Control reject an application?

  Yes, Building Control can reject an application if your plans or supporting details fail to meet the required safety standards, lack necessary information, or do not comply with the relevant Building Regulations. You will usually be given the opportunity to provide additional information or amend the plans before a final decision is made.

• What is a Building Notice application?

  A Building Notice application is a simplified way to inform your local council’s building control service about planned construction work without needing to submit detailed technical drawings beforehand. It is mainly used for small, straightforward domestic projects like home extensions, loft conversions, or removing internal walls.