Planning permission and Building Regulations are different. Some alterations need approval even when planning permission is not required.
Applies to: The approval system differs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Last checked: 3 October 2026
Key points
• Building Regulations approval is different from planning permission.
• Some alterations, electrical work, windows, roofs and bathroom-related work can trigger requirements.
• A registered competent person can self-certify some types of work.
• Always check the rules for the UK nation and project in question.
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Approval can apply to alterations
GOV.UK lists examples including replacing fuse boxes and connected electrics, installing a bathroom involving plumbing, electrical work near a bath or shower, certain replacement windows and doors, and replacing roof coverings. The exact requirement depends on the work.
Competent person schemes
For certain types of work in England and Wales, an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme can self-certify compliant work rather than the homeowner making a separate Building Regulations application.
Check the right nation
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland do not all use the same documents or approval system. Use BuildPair’s UK building-rules page as a starting point, then confirm the current official guidance for the project location.
Official sources
Use these official sources for the current detail that applies to your job, contract or location.
BuildPair provides general information and signposting, not legal, structural, electrical, gas or building-control approval. Requirements can change and the right answer depends on the work, contract, location and facts.
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