The Big Conversion Company Ltd. June 2024.
We frequently hear the question, ‘Why is planning permission essential?’ from clients seeking to modify their property.
When you’re considering making changes to your property, whether it’s an extension, a renovation, or even some types of landscaping, planning permission is a crucial factor to keep in mind. Understanding the reasons behind this requirement can help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid potential pitfalls. Here’s why planning permission is essential when altering your property.
1. Legal Compliance
First and foremost, obtaining planning permission ensures that your project complies with local and national regulations. Planning laws are designed to control the development and use of land, ensuring that changes are appropriate and lawful. Failure to obtain the necessary permission can result in legal action, fines, and the requirement to undo the work, which can be both costly and stressful.
In a case reported by Urbanist Architecture, a homeowner proceeded with an extension without securing the necessary planning permission, assuming they could apply for retrospective planning permission later. Unfortunately, their retrospective application was denied. As a result, the local council issued an enforcement notice requiring the owner to revert the property back to its original state. This meant dismantling the entire extension at the owner’s expense (Urbanist Arch).
2. Protecting Property Value
Planning permission helps maintain the value of your property and those around it. Unauthorized or poorly planned changes can negatively impact the market value of your home and your neighbors’ properties. By adhering to planning regulations, you ensure that any modifications enhance rather than detract from the overall appeal and worth of your home.

3. Ensuring Safety and Quality
Building regulations, which often go hand-in-hand with planning permission, are in place to ensure that any construction work is safe and meets quality standards. This includes structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility. Obtaining planning permission involves a review process that checks for these critical factors, ensuring that the finished project is safe and durable.
4. Environmental Considerations
Planning permission processes take environmental impact into account. This includes considerations such as preserving green spaces, managing water drainage, and minimizing pollution. By obtaining permission, you contribute to sustainable development practices that protect the environment and comply with regulations aimed at reducing ecological footprints.
5. Preserving Community Aesthetics
Communities have a vested interest in maintaining a certain look and feel. Planning permission helps to ensure that any changes you make to your property are in harmony with the surrounding area. This can include aspects such as architectural style, building height, and materials used. Preserving the visual coherence of a neighbourhood benefits everyone, fostering a sense of community and place.
6. Avoiding Disputes with Neighbours
Making significant changes to your property without planning permission can lead to disputes with neighbours. Issues such as blocked views, loss of privacy, or changes to the character of the area can cause friction. By following the planning permission process, you can address these concerns upfront and foster better relationships with your neighbours.

7. Future Proofing Your Property
Changes made without planning permission can become a problem if you decide to sell your property. Potential buyers and their solicitors will check that all alterations have the necessary permissions. Unauthorized changes can complicate the sale process, delay transactions, and even lead to price negotiations or legal issues. Ensuring you have the correct permissions provides peace of mind and future-proofs your investment.
To apply for planning permission, head to Planning and building control | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
8. Facilitating Insurance Claims
In the event of damage or the need for repairs, having planning permission can facilitate smoother insurance claims. Insurance companies may deny claims for work that was carried out without the necessary permissions. By securing planning approval, you ensure that your property modifications are recognized and covered by your insurance policy.
How much does it cost?
The cost of applying for planning permission within the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council area varies depending on the type and scale of the project. Generally, for a standard householder application, which includes extensions and alterations to a single dwelling, the fee is £206. For full planning applications involving new buildings or changes to the use of buildings, the fees can range from £462 for a single dwelling up to more substantial fees for larger developments.
Additionally, BCP Council encourages the use of their pre-application advice service, which helps identify and resolve issues before a formal application is submitted. This service incurs additional fees, which vary based on the complexity and scale of the proposed development.
For a comprehensive breakdown of fees and to calculate specific costs, you can visit the BCP Council’s planning application fees guide (BCP) (BCP) (BCP).
So, Why Planning Permission is Essential for Property Changes..
While the process of obtaining planning permission can seem daunting, it is a crucial step in ensuring that your property changes are legal, safe, and beneficial in the long run. By understanding and adhering to planning regulations, you protect not only your investment but also the broader community and environment. When in doubt, consulting with local planning authorities or a professional advisor can provide clarity and help you navigate the process efficiently.
For more support around changes you are looking to make on your home, and help around planning – contact our team today at The Big Conversion Company | Home Renovation Company
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