You don't need planning permission for some building work.
You can find examples of common projects at the Planning Portal Go to https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200125/do_you_need_permission (opens new window). This will tell you if your project is covered by permitted development, which means you won't need planning permission.
Permitted development restrictions
If you live in certain parts of Bristol, permitted development won't apply to you, so you will still need to get planning permission. Find out if there are restrictions on permitted development in your area.
Residential permitted development rights only apply to houses. If you live in a flat, maisonette or house above a basement flat, it's likely that you will need planning permission for an external extension or alteration.
Single storey rear extensions
You can build larger single storey rear extensions under permitted development, if you do not live in a conservation area. The size of the extension you can build depends on your property:
- on an attached house: between three to six metres
- on a detached house: between four to eight metres
Your extension must meet all other conditions that usually apply to extensions under permitted development.
You must fill out the pdf householder development prior notification form (107 KB) and return it to us. You may still need to obtain other consents, for example under building regulations or Party Wall Acts. Find out about the Party Wall etc Act 1996 at GOV.UK.
Solar panels
Some restictions can apply to installing solar panels so check if you need planning permission for solar panels.
Privacy statement
Read our privacy statement and our pdf Development Management: planning and enforcement privacy notice (118 KB) to see what we do with your personal information.