Whether you need planning permission for your proposed development depends on several factors. These factors include the type of development you intend to undertake, its size and its location.
It can be challenging to know if you need planning permission if you are not familiar with local and national planning policies.
How can I confirm if I need planning permission?
The best way to confirm whether you need planning permission is to use the ‘Pre-Application Advice’ service.
Using the service to confirm if you need planning permission for your proposed development is free, however, charges apply for any further advice.
Pre-application Advice Service
You can also appoint a planning consultant, agent or architect to help you understand more about the planning process. They should be familiar with the planning policies and rules that are in place across various locations. They can also prepare and submit a planning application on your behalf.
Please note, planning officers cannot provide advice on development proposals over the phone. A pre application enquiry will always be required.
Do all developments in Eryri National Park need planning permission?
Not all developments in Eryri National Park require planning permission. Some types of development fall under the ‘Permitted Development Rights’ category, which mean you will not need planning permission to carry out the work.
However, if you are unsure, it is recommended that you submit a Pre-application Advice enquiry.
In some cases, you can build an extension on your house without planning permission, but it depends on:
- the size of the extension, for example, if it is a single or two-storey extension
- the extension’s location, for example, will it be erected on the side or the rear elevation of your house
- the intended use of the extension, for example, if you are building it for commercial use
The best way to know if you need planning permission to build an extension is to use the Pre-Application Advice service or appoint a planning consultant to help you.
Alterations to the roof of a building within the boundaries of the National Park require planning permission. These alterations include:
- extending a roof
- removing, installing or carrying out alterations to a chimney
- installing a roof window or roof dormer
- re-roofing a building with materials that are different to the roof’s existing material
Planning permission is generally not required if you intend to re-roof a house or building in a like for like fashion. That is, you are re-roofing a building with the same materials that were already there, e.g., re-roofing a slate roof with new slates.
Work on a loft or a roof may affect bats. You need to consider protected species when planning work on this type. A survey may be needed, and if bats are using the building, a licence may be needed to carry out any work.
Listed building consent is required if you intend to re-roof a listed house or building.
You will need to use the ‘Pre-Application Advice’ service to see if you require planning permission to build within your garden/ curtilage. You should use the service if you are planning to:
- build a shed, summerhouse, home office, garage or any other outbuilding
- install decking, terracing above a certain height
- Installing gas or oil tanks
- Retaining walls
- Hardstanding / patios
- Swimming pool / ponds / static caravans
Not all porches require planning permission, but you will need to apply for permission if your porch:
- has a floor space of more than 3 square meters
- stands more than 3 meters high
- is within 2 meters of the boundary of your house
- is within 2 meters of a public road, footpath, bridleway, or byway
Listed building consent will be required if you are building a porch on a listed building.
You will need to apply for planning permission if the fence, wall or gate is:
- higher than 2 meters or;
- near a highway and stands at the height of above 1 meter
Installing a fence, wall or gate on a listed building or its land will require listed building consent.
Generally, you can install satellite dishes and television aerials on a building or house without planning permission.
You will need listed building consent if installing a satellite dish or television aerial on a listed building or house.
You should use the Pre-application Advice service if you plan to install solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines. The service will confirm whether you need to apply for planning permission to install the technology.
Not all types of micro-generation technology require you to apply for planning permission.
Installation of micro-generation technology in connection with a listed building will require listed building consent.
Replacing doors or windows on a building or house does not generally require planning permission.
Listed building consent is required if you replace windows or doors on a listed building or house.
You do not usually need to apply for planning permission to:
- carry out repairs or maintenance such as replacing doors or windows on a like for like basis
- decorate your house
- carry out internal alterations such as the demolition of inner walls
Any works to the interior or exterior of a listed house or building will require listed building consent.
Planning permission will be required to cover any part of a house or structure with natural or artificial stone, pebble dash, render, wood, plastic, metal or tiles. Permission will also be required if you want to insulate your house externally.
Planning permission is not required if you plan to reclad, re-render or re-cover the outside of your house or building in a like for like fashion. That is, you are recladding the building with the same materials that were already there, e.g. recladding a tiled wall with new tiles.
Cladding, rendering or insulating the exterior of a listed building, even on a like for like basis, will require listed building consent.
Whether you need planning permission for converting a loft depends on the scale of the work you intend on carrying out.
You will need to apply for planning permission to convert a loft if the work involves:
- extending or enlarging the roof space, for example installing a roof dormer or changing the existing roof pitch or ridge height
- installing a roof window
- removing, installing or carrying out alterations to a chimney
If your property is a listed building you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent for any internal or external works, in addition to planning consent for the works detailed above.
Work on a loft or a roof may affect bats. You need to consider protected species when planning work on this type. A survey may be needed, and if bats are using the building, a licence may be needed to carry out any work.
You will need to consult with Eryri National Park Authority planning officers if you intend to demolish your house, part of your house or any outbuildings. If the building is listed you will require Listed Building Consent
Permission or ‘prior approval’ may be required to demolish a building; it depends on a number of factors including the type and size of building and where it is located.
You should ask your local planning authority for advice to find out what is required for the demolition you have in mind before any work commences to avoid the risk of legal action being taken against you.
Examples of situations that require specific permissions before demolition can be carried out can include:
- Conservation areas – Any demolition within a conservation area is further restricted and will require a formal application unless it meets certain criteria.
- Listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments – These are covered by different legislation and will require a different type of application.