Planning Permission in Wales: What Homeowners Need to Know
Planning in Wales has its own rules and its own quirks. If you're extending in North Wales, here's what you need to know — in plain English — to avoid a costly refusal.
Permitted development in Wales
Wales has its own permitted development rules, which differ from England's. Many single-storey extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions can proceed without a full application — but the size and height limits are specific, and getting them slightly wrong puts you in breach.
We check your permitted development rights for you before you spend anything.
Your local council matters
North Wales is covered by six councils — Gwynedd, Conwy, Anglesey, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham — each with its own approach. Knowing how your specific council assesses applications makes a real difference to the outcome.
Eryri, AONBs and conservation areas
If your home is in or near Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or a conservation area, the rules are stricter on size, height and materials — and permitted development rights may be removed entirely. Designing to those rules from day one is how we avoid refusals.
The honest takeaways
- ✓Wales has its own permitted development rules — don't assume England's apply.
- ✓Six different councils cover North Wales; each has its own approach.
- ✓Eryri, AONB and conservation areas carry much stricter rules.
Questions people ask
Is planning permission harder to get in Wales?
Not necessarily — but the rules differ and some areas are stricter. The key is designing with the right council's expectations in mind from the start.
How long does a Welsh planning application take?
A householder application usually takes about eight weeks once submitted. We handle any questions the council raises during that time.
Not sure whether to build, wait or move?
That's exactly what the call is for. We'll be straight with you — no pressure, no jargon, no nasty surprises.