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Guides · 2026

Planning permission guides

These guides explain the key concepts behind planning permission and permitted development across England — and link you to authority and project pages when you are ready to check your specific property.

Permitted Development in England: What You Need to Know

Understand permitted development rights, why they vary by property, and the most common reasons they are restricted across England.

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Loft Conversion Rules: Planning vs Permitted Development

What pushes a loft conversion from permitted development into planning permission, and what to check before you design dormers.

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Conservation Area Rules: What Changes for Homeowners

The permitted development rights conservation area status removes, the extra consents it adds, and how to check if your home is in one.

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Article 4 Directions Explained

When a local authority withdraws permitted development rights, what that covers, and how to check whether a direction applies to your home.

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London Planning Permission: The 2026 Homeowner's Guide

A practical overview for London homeowners: when you need planning permission, how decisions are made, and how to de-risk your project early.

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Permitted Development in London: What You Need to Know

London-specific context on permitted development: why rights are so often restricted across the capital's boroughs.

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For guidance purposes only. Results are based on publicly available data which may be incomplete or out of date. This tool does not constitute formal planning advice or a pre-application response. Always verify with your local planning authority and consult a chartered planning consultant before making decisions.