What renovations can you do without planning permission?
If you want to revamp your home in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, but you would like to avoid the hassle of applying for planning permission, you may want to explore some of the following options for your home renovation.
Which? recently highlighted various projects you can undertake under permitted development rights, and we’ve picked out three of the top options depending on what you want to achieve through your renovation.
Best for adding space: loft conversion
If you want to create more space in your home, one of the best options is a loft conversion in Christchurch, Bournemouth or Poole because this will give you at least one additional room (depending on the type of property you own).
While many people choose to use their loft conversion as a bedroom, there are many other options if this doesn’t suit your needs. You could make the space into a playroom for the kids, or even create a home gym. Another option is to turn it into a snug reading room with plenty of natural light, cosy corners and, of course, bookshelves.
Best for improving energy efficiency: new windows and doors
Provided the windows you are installing are similar to those that you already have in place, you won’t need to apply for planning permission. A great deal of the heat our homes lose escapes through the windows, so by making sure your windows are properly sealed and made from low-emissivity glass, you can reduce your heating bills in the winter and keep your property more comfortable in the summer.
The one exception with this, and the other projects suggested here, is if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, as the rules for such properties are different.
We explained what conservation areas mean for planning permission in a previous blog post, so check that out if you’d like more information or want to see if your home in Bournemouth, Poole or Christchurch is located in one of these areas.
Best for making the most of your outdoor space: garden rooms
A garden room is classed as an outbuilding and the general rule is that you’re allowed one on your property without requiring planning permission (unless you’re in a conservation area or have a listed building, in which case you need to do some research first).
This kind of addition to your home is fantastic if you’d like to make sure you use your garden to its full potential throughout the year. You can create garden rooms that open right up in the summer, allowing you to bring your living space outdoors when the weather is nice enough, but that are well-insulated and cosy, ensuring you can still use them in the winter.
We’ve noticed an increasing number of homeowners opting for garden rooms in Bournemouth and beyond since the Covid-19 pandemic, and if this is something that interests you, our team will be happy to share their expertise with you.
The Sun recently shared the story of one 23-year-old woman whose parents built a tiny house in their garden for her, giving her somewhere she can live independently without the high cost of renting or buying her own home.
