Do I need planning permission? Try our free Planning Checker
Thinking about extending your home, converting the loft or making better use of your garage? One of the first questions is usually: “Will I need planning permission?”
To help you get started, we’ve introduced a free Planning Checker on the Reid Design website. It guides you through a series of questions about your property and proposed work, giving you an initial indication of your likely planning route.
A clearer starting point for your project
Before commissioning drawings, it helps to understand which questions you need to ask. Could your proposal fall within permitted development? Might a planning application be needed? Are there details about your property that need further investigation?
Our checker helps you explore these questions for common home improvements, including:
House extensions — creating extra space for a kitchen, dining area or family room.
Loft conversions — making use of the space above your existing rooms.
Garage conversions — adapting an existing garage for a different use within your home.
It’s designed for homes in England, and there’s no sign-up required.
How does it work?
Start by telling the checker about your property, then choose the type of project you’re considering.
The questions adapt to your selection, asking about relevant details such as the position, size and nature of the proposed work. Based on your answers, the checker gives an initial indication of the likely route and highlights matters that may need checking before you move forward.
You don’t need a completed design to begin. However, the more accurately you can describe your proposal, the more useful the result will be. If you’re unsure about an answer, it’s better to flag that uncertainty than guess.
What does the result mean?
The checker is a starting point, rather than formal confirmation that work is permitted or that planning permission will be granted.
It uses the information you provide. It does not look up your address, planning history, local policies, Article 4 directions or conditions attached to previous permissions. Those checks may affect the advice for your particular property.
It also does not replace a separate assessment of Building Regulations requirements.
If the result highlights something uncertain, that gives us a useful question to investigate as part of developing your design.
From an initial idea to a practical design
At Reid Design Limited, we help homeowners across Timperley, Altrincham, Sale, Trafford and the wider Greater Manchester area explore the potential of their homes.
The checker is a useful first step. We can then help you assess the property, develop the layout and appearance, prepare drawings and identify the appropriate planning and Building Regulations routes.
Whether you’re imagining a larger kitchen, an additional bedroom or a more useful garage, start by exploring what your project could involve.
Or get in touch to discuss your ideas:
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