I have bought a five bedroom house and I would like to convert
it into three flats, which I then plan to rent out. I am not
extending the house but will I need planning permission?
Carrying out building works to a property, particularly internal
alterations or modest single storey extensions, may not require
planning permission because they are 'permitted
development' under the planning rules. However, the
requirements do change over time and it's always sensible to
approach your local authority at an early stage when you are
planning a building project - and certainly before you start the
work!
Although you may not be looking to change the building's
physical footprint or external appearance, you will still need to
obtain planning permission before you convert it into flats. This
is because you will be fundamentally changing its use from a single
dwelling to multiple separate dwellings.
