Planning Permission Checker
A few short questions about your home and your plans, turned into an early, plain-English indication of whether planning permission is likely to be required.
Before you start
Planning rules depend on where you live, what type of home you have and exactly what you are proposing. This checker asks only the key questions needed for an early indication — it is not a decision, and it does not replace advice from your local planning authority.
Nothing is saved and you do not need an account.
Use the tool
Your results
Answer the questions above and select “Check my project” — your indication will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Does this checker confirm whether I need planning permission?
No. It gives an early indication based on general rules. Only your local planning authority can confirm what your project needs, and a Lawful Development Certificate is the formal way to prove permission was not required.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development is a national grant of permission for certain works, so no application is needed. It comes with strict size, height and position limits, and those rights can be removed in some areas.
How do I know if my permitted development rights have been removed?
Check with your council for an Article 4 direction covering your street, and read the conditions on any earlier planning permission for the property — new-build estates often have rights removed by condition.
Do the same rules apply across the UK?
No. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own planning system with different limits and terminology, so always confirm figures locally.
Do I still need building regulations approval?
Usually yes. Planning and building regulations are separate regimes — most building work needs building control approval even when planning permission is not required.
Ask Mason
Ask Mason about your planning permission result
Get tailored, plain-English guidance for your home and situation — in under two minutes.
Recommended next steps
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BuildGuide tools provide early guidance only. They are not a formal planning decision, legal opinion or professional design.