Rules & consents
Planning vs Building Regulations
The short answer
Planning control is about appearance and impact on the area. Building regulations are about performance and safety. A project can need one, both or neither — and meeting one doesn't satisfy the other.
Last reviewed September 2026 · General guidance, not legal advice
In short
- Planning: what it looks like and whether it's appropriate — decided by the planning authority
- Listed building consent: impact on a listed building's character
- Building regulations: energy, ventilation, safety — certified by building control or a competent person scheme