If you are planning building work on your home, whether that involves installing skylights, adding roof lanterns, converting a loft, or building an extension, one of the most common points of confusion is the difference between building control and planning permission. Many homeowners assume these two approvals serve the same purpose or believe that securing one automatically means the other is not required.
In reality, misunderstanding this distinction often leads to delays, unexpected costs, and compliance problems that only surface when the project is already underway or, worse, when the property is being sold. Understanding how both systems work and why they exist separately is essential for anyone renovating a home for the first time.
Why Homeowners Confuse Building Control and Planning Permission
The confusion arises because both systems regulate building work, yet they do so for entirely different reasons. Planning Permission governs how development affects the surrounding area, while Building Control focuses on safety, performance, and legal compliance. Because many projects require both approvals, homeowners often assume they are connected or interchangeable.
Language also plays a role. Terms such as “approval,” “inspection,” and “sign-off” are used by both departments, despite referring to different assessments. When advice comes from builders or online forums instead of official guidance, incorrect assumptions can easily become accepted as fact.
Failing to understand this distinction can expose homeowners to enforcement action, delays when selling or refinancing, and expensive remedial work. These consequences are often far more costly than dealing with the correct approvals from the outset.
What Is Planning Permission? (Aesthetics and Land Use)
Planning Permission is managed by the local planning authority. Its purpose is to control how land is used and how development affects the wider environment. Planning officers are not assessing how well a building is constructed; instead, they consider how it looks, how large it is, and how it fits within its surroundings.
This is why two similar projects may be treated differently depending on location. What is acceptable in one area may not be suitable in another due to local planning policies or conservation considerations.
What Planning Permission Controls
Planning Permission regulates external appearance, height, footprint, and overall scale. It also considers the impact on neighbouring properties, including privacy and daylight, as well as changes of use. For example, skylights installed on front-facing roof slopes often require planning permission because of their visual impact, whereas rear-facing installations may fall under permitted development.
Common Projects That Require Planning Permission
While many homeowners benefit from permitted development rights, these rights are limited. Extensions beyond size allowances, loft conversions that alter the roof shape, front-facing skylights, new builds, and larger outbuildings commonly require planning approval. The deciding factor is almost always visual impact rather than the technical complexity of the work.
What Planning Permission Does Not Cover
Planning Permission does not assess whether a structure is safe or compliant with technical standards. Structural integrity, fire protection, insulation, drainage, and electrical safety all fall outside the scope of planning control. Even if a project has planning approval, it can still be unlawful if Building Regulations are not met.
What Is Building Control? (Safety and Compliance)
Building Control exists to ensure that building work complies with the Building Regulations. This process is commonly referred to as building regulations approval. The focus is on health, safety, energy efficiency, and long-term performance.
Unlike planning, Building Control is concerned with how a building works, not how it looks. Its role is to ensure that the finished structure is safe to live in and legally compliant.
Why Building Control Exists
The Building Regulations were introduced to prevent unsafe construction practices, fire risk, structural failure, and long-term defects such as excessive heat loss or condensation. Without Building Control oversight, many of these problems might not become apparent for years, often when repairs are costly and disruptive.
What Building Control Is Responsible For
Building Control officers assess structural stability, fire safety measures, thermal performance, ventilation, drainage, and the safety of electrical and plumbing systems. This applies to large extensions and smaller works alike, including roof alterations, skylights, and roof lantern installations.
Specialist suppliers such as Skylights Roof Lanterns regularly advise homeowners that even straightforward-looking roof glazing installations require Building Control approval to ensure they meet safety and performance standards.
When Building Regulations Approval Is Required
Building Regulations approval is required whenever work affects the structure or performance of a building. This includes internal structural alterations, forming new roof openings, installing skylights or roof lanterns, converting lofts or garages, and extending a property. In addition to skylights, many projects incorporate roof windows particularly when ventilation is key. Explore the roof windows range by Skylights Roof Lanterns to find compliant options for your renovation.
The Key Differences Between Building Control and Planning Permission
When comparing building control vs planning permission, the distinction is clear. Planning Permission determines whether development is acceptable in principle, while Building Control ensures the work has been carried out correctly and safely. They are enforced by different authorities, assessed separately, and one does not replace the other.
Do You Need Planning Permission, Building Control, or Both?
Large-scale projects such as extensions, loft conversions with roof alterations, and new builds almost always require both approvals. Other works, such as internal structural changes or garage conversions, typically require Building Control approval even if planning permission is not needed.
Some minor works may require neither approval, but assuming this without confirmation is risky. Early checks help prevent costly mistakes later.
Common Renovation Examples Explained
Removing an internal wall often requires Building Control approval if the wall is load-bearing but does not usually need planning permission. Loft conversions frequently require both approvals, especially where the roof structure is altered. Extensions nearly always require both, while skylight installations may require planning permission depending on their location and will almost always require Building Control sign-off. When planning roof alterations, many homeowners choose to install skylights to increase natural light. If you’re exploring options, check out the wide range available from Skylights Roof Lanterns’ skylights collection for products that meet both aesthetic and performance standards.
Understanding Building Regulations Approval Routes
There are two routes to obtaining building regulations approval: the Full Plans route and the Building Notice route.
Full Plans Application
A Full Plans application involves submitting detailed drawings and specifications before work begins. These are checked and approved in advance, providing clarity and reducing the likelihood of compliance issues during construction. This route is strongly recommended for complex projects, structural work, and roof glazing installations supplied by companies such as Skylights Roof Lanterns.
Building Notice
A Building Notice allows work to start without plans being approved upfront. Compliance is assessed through inspections as work progresses. While this can be suitable for small projects, it carries greater risk. For homeowners unfamiliar with Building Regulations, understanding building notice vs full plans is crucial before selecting this option.
Which Route Is Best for First-Time Renovators
For most first-time renovators, the Full Plans route offers greater protection. Although it involves more preparation, it significantly reduces uncertainty, delays, and unexpected costs.
Inspections, Sign-Off, and Completion Certificates
Building Control approval is only complete once inspections have been carried out and a Completion Certificate has been issued.
What Building Control Inspects During the Project
Inspections are carried out at key stages of the build, including structural work, insulation and fire protection, drainage and ventilation, and final completion. Roof glazing installations are assessed for fixing, safety glazing, and thermal performance, making skylight sign off a vital stage of the process. Roof glazing doesn’t always mean classic skylights. For homeowners seeking broader glass solutions, the rooflights collection at Skylights Roof Lanterns offers multiple formats that work with both planning and Building Control requirements.
Why Building Control Sign-Off Matters
Without Building Control sign-off, the work is not legally compliant. This can cause serious issues when selling or refinancing a property and may invalidate insurance or product warranties.
What Happens If Sign-Off Is Missed
If inspections are missed, homeowners may need to apply for regularisation. This process often involves additional costs, delays, and in some cases opening up finished work to demonstrate compliance.
Common Compliance Mistakes First-Time Renovators Make
Common mistakes include assuming planning approval covers all legal requirements, starting work without notifying Building Control, selecting the Building Notice route for complex projects, and installing skylights or roof lanterns without the necessary inspections and certification.
Expert Tips to Stay Compliant from the Start
Contact Building Control early, keep clear records and certificates, and ensure that designers, builders, and suppliers are aligned on compliance requirements. Reputable specialists like Skylights Roof Lanterns can help ensure products meet Building Regulations, but final approval always rests with Building Control.
Be cautious if advice suggests that approvals are unnecessary or that inspections can be skipped.
Final Takeaway for First-Time Renovators
Planning Permission controls how your project affects the outside world. Building Control ensures it is safe, compliant, and legal. Understanding the difference between building control vs planning permission helps prevent delays, unexpected costs, and legal complications.
Whether you are installing skylights, adding roof lanterns, converting a loft, or extending your home, early compliance protects your investment. Working with experienced suppliers such as Skylights Roof Lanterns and confirming approval requirements from the outset helps ensure a smooth and successful project. If you’re unsure about whether your project needs planning permission or building regulations approval, it’s always worth speaking with an expert. You can reach out directly through the Skylights Roof Lanterns to discuss your project and compliance needs.
