Begin at the beginning

So, you want to do a loft conversion? Or build a double garage? Or put a fence around your property? What's the first thing you have to know? It's do you need planning permission? The Building Regulations will certainly need to be followed.

The Planning Portal is a good place to start. This is the UK government's online planning and building regulations resource. Use this site to learn about planning and building regulations, apply for planning permission and building regulations consent, find out about development near you, appeal against a decision and research government policy. Here is the website - http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/ .

You can use the tools and information on this site to find out about planning in your area and what development you can perform around your house.
The Portal's services also let you apply for planning permission electronically as well as submit and track an appeal online.

The Building Regulations must be followed too. There is some good information about these on the above site, including a downloadable booklet. www.communities.gov.uk/pub/117/BuildingRegulationsExplanatoryBookletPDF1191Kb_id1131117.pdf

If you want to see all the Regulations or just a section, you have two choices. You can either buy your own copy from this website: www.thenbs.com/buildingRegs or, much cheaper, go into your nearest local library that has a Reference section and ask to see them! Libraries can save you loads of money and give you lots of free information.

Another site worth checking out is http://www.communities.gov.uk/ , click on the Planning, Building and the Environment link at the side of the page. This will lead you to more information on planning, building regulations etc.

Make sure you dot every "i "and cross every "t" at this stage, as it can be very expensive to put a mistake right later. Consult with an architect if you need to and talk to your builder, if you are using one.