You may need both. Work that does not need a planning application can still need building control approval.
Planning looks at the development
Planning considers whether a proposal is acceptable in its location. The authority assesses it against the development plan and relevant planning considerations, including its relationship with the surrounding area.
Start by checking whether you need an application, can use permitted development or need another planning consent.
Building regulations look at the work
Building regulations address technical requirements for construction and alterations. Approval may be needed for an extension and for work such as replacing windows, changing electrics or installing some building services.
England and Wales: GOV.UK explains when approval is needed and the routes available. Northern Ireland: contact the council about the applicable building control requirements.
Scotland uses building standards and warrants
In Scotland, work must meet Scottish building standards. Some projects require a building warrant from the council; even minor work that does not require a warrant still has to meet the relevant standards.
Ask the council’s building standards department whether your proposal needs a warrant before starting.
Sources: [5]
Keep both approvals in your project plan
Agree with your designer or contractor who is handling each application, who will arrange the necessary inspections and what completion records you should receive. Keep the final documents with the plans for your home.
If a project changes during construction, ask the relevant authority or building control body what needs to be updated.
Your next steps.
A quick checklist to keep your project moving.
- Check the planning route for your project.
- Check building control or building warrant requirements.
- Agree who handles applications and inspections.
- Keep approved plans and completion records.
- Check changes before building them.
Sources & further reading
Checked 28 September 2026. Each source’s country is shown below.
- GOV.UK: when planning permission is needed ↗England
- GOV.UK: after you apply ↗England; see country links for other systems
- GOV.UK: building regulations approval ↗England and Wales
- nidirect: building regulations approval ↗Northern Ireland
- mygov.scot: building standards for homeowners ↗Scotland