When Planning Permission Rules Don't Apply

Before you begin planning any work, it's really important to understand that the permitted development allowances we've discussed are generally for traditional houses only. These rules typically don't apply to every type of property or in all situations. You'll usually find these rights do not cover your project if:

• Your home is a flat or a maisonette.

• Your property started as a different type of building and was later converted into a house, or if it was built under specific 'permitted development' rights. This includes houses created through 'Changes of use' (referring to Schedule 2, Part 3, Classes G; M; MA; N; P; PA and Q) or those defined as 'New Dwellinghouses' (Schedule 2, Part 20).

• You are considering work on any other type of building that isn't a house.

• Your property is located in an area where special rules apply. Your local council might have imposed specific planning conditions, an 'Article 4 Direction' (which can remove permitted development rights), or other local restrictions that could affect your plans. Always check with your local authority to confirm any limitations on your specific property.