Section 7

Licences & consents checklist

What’s required depends heavily on the site and the works. This is the checklist to work through, not a guarantee any one item applies to your project.

1. Planning permission

Required for most new buildings, major alterations, or changing a building’s or land’s use. Apply to your Local Planning Authority via the Planning Portal. Types include outline permission (principle only), full/detailed permission, and reserved matters approval following an outline consent.

2. Permitted development rights

Some minor works (extensions, porches, agricultural buildings) are automatically allowed without an application, but rights can be restricted by an Article 4 Direction, Listed Building status, or a Conservation Area. Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to confirm this in writing before building. The map’s Identify results flag Article 4, listed buildings and conservation areas where the platform has them.

3. Building Regulations approval

Separate from planning permission — covers structural safety, fire safety, insulation, drainage and accessibility. Needed for almost all new construction and many renovations, regardless of whether planning permission was required.

4. Site-specific consents

• Listed Building Consent for any listed structure
• Conservation Area Consent for demolition in a conservation area
• Tree Works consent for protected (TPO) trees
• Hazardous Substances Consent for storing notifiable quantities
• Advertisement Consent for signage

5. Environmental & utility permits

An Environmental Permit (Environment Agency / Natural Resources Wales / SEPA) for activities like waste handling, discharges to water, or work near a floodplain. A Flood Risk Assessment in flood zones. Water and drainage connection approval from the local water company.

6. Legal & neighbour agreements

A Party Wall Agreement (under the Party Wall Act 1996) when work affects a shared wall or boundary with a neighbour. A Section 106 Agreement or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payment is often attached to larger planning permissions to fund local infrastructure.

7. Nationally Significant Infrastructure

Large energy, transport, water or waste projects need a Development Consent Order (DCO) instead of standard planning permission — a separate, longer national process.

8. Business-use licences (if applicable)

Beyond construction: a Premises Licence (alcohol, entertainment, late-night refreshment), a Waste Carrier/Broker Licence for construction waste removal, and an HMO Licence if converting to a house in multiple occupation.

This is a general checklist, not a permit application service. Requirements vary by nation and by local authority — always confirm exactly what’s needed with your Local Planning Authority and the Planning Portal (England/Wales), Building Standards (Scotland), or your local council (Northern Ireland) before starting work.