Click a feature on the house — a porch, dormer, garage, extension or garden room — for a plain-English answer on whether it usually needs planning permission and building regulations, with a link to the official guidance.
Or pick a project:
Select a feature — porch, dormer, garage, extension or garden room — to see whether it usually needs planning permission and building regulations, with a link to the official guidance.
Quick reference
A rough guide for England. Limits on height, coverage and boundaries also apply, and the prior-approval route means the council notifies neighbours first. Always confirm with Wirral Council (or your local planning authority).
| Project | Planning |
|---|---|
| Single-storey rear, 3m (semi/terrace) | Often permitted development |
| Single-storey rear, 4m (detached) | Often permitted development |
| Single-storey rear, up to 6m (semi/terrace) | Prior approval route |
| Single-storey rear, up to 8m (detached) | Prior approval route |
| Single-storey rear, larger than 6m / 8m | Planning permission needed |
| Two-storey rear, up to 3m (7m from boundary) | Can be permitted development |
| Two-storey rear, over 3m | Planning permission needed |
| Two-storey side extension | Planning permission needed |
| Anything on designated land (e.g. conservation area) | Usually needs permission |
Cover Wales too?We design for homes across North Wales as well — permitted-development rules differ there, so the guidance above is for England. Send us your address and we'll confirm the right route for your property.
Send Sean your postcode and a short description — you'll get an honest first view of the likely planning route, with no obligation.