Planning Permission Guide

Not every building project requires planning permission. Many home improvements fall under 'Permitted Development Rights' — meaning you can build without applying to your local council.

However, the rules depend on the type of work, the size of the project, your property type, and your location. Properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, or those that have had previous extensions may have restricted permitted development rights.

The safest approach is always to check with your local planning authority or speak to us — we handle planning applications regularly and can advise you quickly.

Permitted Development (PD) rights allow homeowners to carry out certain types of work without needing a full planning application. This can save time and money.

Under PD rights, you may be able to build a single-storey rear extension up to 4 metres (detached) or 3 metres (semi/terraced) without planning permission — and up to 8m/6m under the Prior Approval neighbour consultation scheme.

Loft conversions that don't exceed 40m³ (terraced) or 50m³ (detached/semi) and don't alter the roofline significantly are also often permitted development.

Garage conversions that don't involve extending the footprint of the property typically don't require planning permission.

Important: PD rights don't apply if your home is in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or is a listed building.

You will likely need full planning permission for:

— Double-storey extensions or side extensions that exceed PD limits

— Any extension on a flat or maisonette

— Works on listed buildings or properties in conservation areas

— Outbuildings that exceed 50% of the land around the original house

— Changes of use (e.g. converting a garage into a separate dwelling)

— New dwellings or significant alterations to the external appearance of a property

The application process typically takes 8–10 weeks from submission to decision.

Paul Bailey Construction Ltd are approved contractors with both Basildon Council and Castle Point Council.

This means we are authorised to carry out disabled adaptation grant works on behalf of the councils — including home extensions, wetrooms, ramps, and kitchen adaptations for residents who qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

If you or a family member has been assessed for a DFG, we can work directly with the council on your behalf to design and deliver the works. Contact us to find out more.

A Disabled Facilities Grant is a government-funded grant available to help disabled people make adaptations to their home so they can continue to live there safely and independently.

Works covered by a DFG can include: widening doors, installing ramps, adapting bathrooms into wetrooms, installing stairlifts or through-floor lifts, extending the property to create accessible living spaces, and adapting kitchens for wheelchair users.

As approved contractors with Basildon and Castle Point Council, we are experienced in delivering DFG-funded works to the required standard and within council timescales.

To apply for a DFG, contact your local council's housing or occupational therapy team. Once approved, you can request Paul Bailey Construction Ltd as your preferred contractor.

The Neighbour Consultation Scheme (also called Prior Approval) allows you to build larger single-storey rear extensions than standard PD rights permit — up to 8 metres for detached houses and 6 metres for semi-detached and terraced houses.

Under this scheme, your local council notifies your neighbours, who have 21 days to raise objections. If no objections are received, or the council is satisfied the impact is acceptable, Prior Approval is granted.

This is a quicker and cheaper route than full planning permission and is worth considering for larger rear extensions.

We offer a full Design & Build service that includes managing the planning process on your behalf. Our team works with experienced architects and planning consultants to prepare and submit applications.

We advise on the best route — whether that's Permitted Development, Prior Approval, or full planning permission — based on your property and project goals.

We also prepare the drawings and documents needed for Building Regulations approval, which is required for most structural works regardless of whether planning permission is needed.

From initial consultation to planning approval and build completion, we handle everything. You just make the decisions — we do the rest.

Planning permission and Building Regulations are two separate things — and both may be required for your project.

Planning permission is about whether you're allowed to build. Building Regulations are about how it's built — ensuring the work meets minimum standards for structure, fire safety, insulation, drainage, and more.

Most structural building work — extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions — requires Building Regulations approval regardless of whether planning permission is needed.

We manage Building Regulations submissions and liaise with the Building Control inspector throughout your project to ensure all work is signed off correctly.