Even the common building project requires knowledge of all relevant building regulations. For instance, the Department for Communities and Local Government provides all residents with information about approved documents. Thus, regardless of the type of building, owners should provide documents about structure, fire safety, resistance to sound, and others (“Approved Documents” par. 1-3). Current building regulations and the need for planning permission will be evaluated for the standard house and terrace.
- Extensions and Additions. There is no need to apply for planning permission when extensions and additions are going to be built. However, if more than half the area around the house is to be utilized for additions, it is obligatory to apply for permission. According to the guide, the building of extensions and additions to terraces usually requires planning permission (“Interactive terrace” n. pag.);
- Garages. It is not required to apply for permission if the garage is to be built around the house. In case the garage should be constructed as an extension to the house, permission is necessary. Besides, there are regulations concerning garage sizes that do require permission. Finally, the conversion of the garage into the dwelling place demands permission too. The provided information concerns the only standard house. No garages are included in the other interactive guide;
- Paving the front garden. Paving regulations are the same for both types of buildings. No planning permission is necessary for the replacement or building of the driveway unless it is not permeable or the flow of rainwater is blocked;
- Manholes and drains. The very work with manholes and drains normally does not require planning permission for both the standard house and terrace. However, one should clarify details concerning ownership and responsibility. It should be added that permission is not required if the same type of drain or manhole should be fitted. In case any other type of manhole or sewage arrangements (including those using septic tanks) will be installed, the owner has to apply for permission;
- Conservatories. Regulations are the same as extensions and additions. Thus, particular criteria concerning the size, form, and position of conservatories predetermine the need to apply for permission. The most challenging thing is to design a conservatory properly. According to the information provided, “a badly designed conservatory can be a huge energy drain for the house as a whole” (“Interactive house” n. pag.). The information refers to both types;
- Decking and barbecues. The work connected with electricity and gas systems installation for barbeques requires the exact following of rules. It is better to ask the specialist to conduct all necessary activities. Decking in both standard house and terrace should be no more than thirty cm above the ground for individual building;
- Solar panels — roof-mounted and free-standing. The installation of roof-mounted solar panels does not require planning permission but does require checking of building regulations (the condition of the roof). The installation of free-standing solar panels does not require planning permission unless terrace or house is a listed building;
- Wind turbines. In case all specific limits and conditions are met, no permission is required;
- Ground source and air source heat pumps. Nothing is mentioned about these pumps in terraces. Ground and air source heat pumps do not require permission. However, it is necessary to follow all building regulations using professional assistance;
- Fuel tanks. Planning permission is not required for small tanks in both buildings. The installation should meet all building regulations including the proper storage of fuel and efficient protection;
- Adverts and Signage. Small signs may be installed in both types of buildings. Permission may be required for large signs with commercial purposes or those that contain electronic elements.
It is not required to apply for permission to install described elements in both types of dwelling. However, all building regulations should be met. When there is a need to work with electricity, it is better to wait for specialists’ assistance. The only variation is that garage is not included in the interactive guide for the terrace.
The need for planning permission and variations between the standard house and terrace will be investigated about the following elements:
- Basements. The conversion of the existing basement in the living place does not require planning permission. The permission is necessary if the owner plans to create a new basement or make significant changes. The information concerns only terraces;
- Internal Walls. Planning permission is not normally required in a standard house and terrace. Removal of internal walls should be conducted with care as far as it may affect the safety of the whole building;
- Floors. Maintenance of floors can be done without permission. The need for permission may be required if house or terrace is listed building;
- Stairs. No planning permission for building or repairing stairs. Stairs should be safe for secure movements of people in both buildings;
- Boilers, heating, and radiators. Permission is not obligatory for the installation of boilers, heating, and radiators unless the building is listed. The application is usually required if the hot water or heating system has to be replaced;
- Circuits, electricity, and lighting. Planning permission is not required for circuits, electric and basic lighting works. When installing external lighting, one should remember that direction and intensity should not disturb neighbors;
- Loft conversions — including insulation and unimproved loft space. All types of loft conversions are allowed without planning permission. The owner should address local authorities in case there is a threat to protected species like bats.
One may conclude that there is a slight difference concerning planning permissions for standard houses and terraces. The most important thing is that if maintenance is connected with advanced, unusual works or installation of new systems planning permission may be required. Besides, any works in listed buildings should be agreed upon with local authorities.
The National Planning Policy Framework describes relevant policies and ways of their implementation. The Policy Framework defines twelve planning principles that can be applied to all types of planning processes. For instance, “planning always seeks to secure a high-quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and future occupants of land and building” (Department for Communities and Local Government 11).
According to Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, a person who is interested in particular land for planning enters into the obligation. This obligation presupposes the necessity to conduct specified actions or pay required sums to authorities (“Town and Country Planning Act 1990” par. 1-2).
Other legislation concerning planning includes statutory instruments and Acts of Parliament. For instance, Planning Act 2008 defines regulations concerning the development of infrastructure in the town and country planning (“Acts of Parliament” par. 7).
Works Cited
Acts of Parliament. n.d. Web.
Approved Documents. 2010. Web.
Department for Communities and Local Government. National Planning Policy Framework. 2012. PDF file. Web.
Interactive house. n.d. Web.
Interactive terrace. n.d. Web.
Town and Country Planning Act 1990. n.d. Web.