Introduction to Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Question 1

When is planning permission needed?

Answer 1

If it doesnt fall within permitted development

Question 2

What are exceptions to planning permission?

Answer 2

Interior of building
No material effect on external appearance
Changes of use that are within the same use class

Question 3

What are use classes divided by?

Answer 3

Subdivided by letter or number

Question 4

Is C3 to C1 a change of use class?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

Is C3 to B2 a change of use class?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

What are the original classes?

Answer 6

A1 (shops), A2 (financial and professional services), A3 (food and drink), B1 (business), B2 (general industrial), C1 (hotels), C3 (dwellinghouses), D1 (non-residential institutions)

Question 7

What is the class for commercial, business and service?

Answer 7

E

Question 8

What is sui generis use class?

Answer 8

Not a use class – it is miscellaneous

Question 9

What falls under sui generis?

Answer 9

Theatres
Amusement arcades
Launderettes
Fuel stations
Pubs and nightclubs
Takeaways where food mostly consumed off property
Concert halls

Question 10

What is an Article 4 direction?

Answer 10

A direction where Permitted Development can be excluded or amended

Question 11

What types of property is planning more restricted on?

Answer 11

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Question 12

What are Grade I listed?

Answer 12

Exceptional interest – e.g. Tower Bridge

Question 13

What are Grade II* listed?

Answer 13

Particularly important buildings – e.g. Battersea Power Station

Question 14

What are Grade II listed?

Answer 14

Special interest – e.g. Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Question 15

What is needed to alter a listed building?

Answer 15

Listed building consent

Question 16

Does permitted development apply to listed buildings?

Answer 16

No

Question 17

What are the effects of being in a conservation area?

Answer 17

Permitted development restricted
Planning permission needed to demolish unlisted building in England
In Wales, conservation area consent needed to demolish
Consent needed to cut back or cut down trees

Question 18

What type of work does building control apply to?

Answer 18

Erection or extension of building
Installation of service under BR (windows, boilers)
Material change of use of whole building

Question 19

Are there any self-certification for building regulations?

Answer 19

Yes – for example FENSA for window fitting, Gas Safe Register