Planning permission11 min read
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Find out whether your extension, loft conversion, outbuilding or home improvement needs planning permission. A clear UK guide for homeowners.
Read guideSimple, independent guidanceChoose my project
Planning a home project but not sure where to start?
Choose the picture that looks most like your project. Mason will ask a few simple questions, then explain what you may need to do.
Planning permission
Rough costs
Who to speak to
Your first next step
Hi, I’m Mason.
I will guide you one question at a time. You can always choose “I’m not sure”.
No technical knowledge needed
Plain English, clear buttons and calm guidance from beginning to end.
Step 1
What would you like to do?
Select the picture that is closest to your idea. It does not have to be exact.
Single-storey extension
Add a new room to the side or rear of your home.
This is what I wantTwo-storey extension
Create extra living space downstairs and bedrooms above.
This is what I wantLoft conversion
Turn your roof space into a useful new room.
This is what I wantGarage conversion
Convert an existing garage into living space.
This is what I wantKitchen renovation
Plan a new kitchen or alter your current layout.
This is what I wantBathroom renovation
Replace or rearrange a bathroom or shower room.
This is what I wantRemove or alter a wall
Make an opening, remove a wall or install a beam.
This is what I wantChange the inside layout
Rearrange rooms, doors, storage and services.
This is what I wantBuild a new home
Understand the first steps for a new house project.
This is what I wantGarden and landscaping
Plan patios, garden rooms, walls and outdoor spaces.
This is what I wantSomething else
Tell Mason what you are considering in your own words.
This is what I wantHow it works
1
Choose a picture
Pick the project that looks most like what you want to do.
2
Answer simple questions
Mason asks one clear question at a time, with an ‘I’m not sure’ option.
3
Get your guidance
See likely permissions, rough costs, useful professionals and your next step.
Knowledge hub
Practical Guides for Every Stage of Your Home Project
Evergreen, plain-English guidance you can trust — from planning permission to working with builders.
Planning permission10 min read
Permitted Development Rights Explained
Understand what Permitted Development Rights cover, the limits that apply and how to check whether your extension, loft conversion or outbuilding qualifies.
Read guidePlanning permission8 min read
Planning Permission Explained
A plain-English guide to when you need planning permission in England, how the process works and what to expect from your local council.
Read guideBuilt for ordinary homeowners
BuildGuide does not expect you to understand planning language or construction terms. Mason explains them as you go and tells you when something still needs checking by your council or a professional.
Start with a picture