According to the experts, those who fancy a new conservatory or pulling down a wall must ask their local authorities to check whether planning permission is needed.
A spokesperson for RICS said: “If you work without the planning permission the local authority might require you to seek retrospective planning permission approval. There is no guarantee that this will be granted. The local authority may even require that the completed work be demolished.”
He added that is was a good idea to check what requires planning permission and whether it is needed to meet building regulations.
A number of home improvements can be conducted without planning permission, as long as you do not live in a listed building or conservation area.
RICS currently has 120,000 members worldwide and aims to promote best practice, represent consumers’ interests and provide impartial advice to the public, businesses, governments and global organisations.
