Legislation categorises buildings into separate ‘use classes’, depending on the purpose the building is used for.
Certain changes from one use class to another are subject to permitted development rights and do not require planning permission.
Additionally, a number of minor alterations and extensions made to residential houses can be carried out without planning permission.
See the planning portal website for details of permitted development rights for common projects.
Find the relevant forms for permitted development requiring prior approval on our forms and fees pages.