Planning Permission and Building Regulations Flashcards
When is planning permission required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990?
A) Only for internal works
B) For any change of use, regardless of the class
C) For “development,” which includes material change of use and building works
D) Only for construction of entirely new buildings
C) For “development,” which includes material change of use and building works
Explanation:
Under section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, “development” includes building works and material change of use, which generally require planning permission.
Which of the following does not require planning permission?
A) A change from C3 (dwelling house) to C1 (hotel)
B) A house extension beyond permitted development limits
C) Internal alterations that do not affect external appearance
D) Converting a shop (E use) into a takeaway (sui generis)
C) Internal alterations that do not affect external appearance
Explanation:
Internal works that do not impact external appearance are not considered development under section 55(2) TCPA 1990 and do not require planning permission.
Which of the following use classes does not exist under the amended Use Classes Order 2020?
A) E (Commercial, Business, and Service)
B) B2 (General Industrial)
C) A3 (Restaurants and Cafés)
D) F2 (Local Community)
C) A3 (Restaurants and Cafés)
Explanation:
The 2020 amendments removed A3 (Restaurants and Cafés), merging it into the new Class E.
Sophie wants to convert her residential garage into a small home office. Under permitted development rights (GPDO 2015), which of the following is correct?
A) No planning permission is required as it is an internal change
B) She must apply for full planning permission
C) She can proceed only if she applies for a certificate of lawfulness
D) Any internal conversion is automatically permitted
A) No planning permission is required as it is an internal change
Explanation:
Under GPDO 2015, internal conversions do not require planning permission unless external alterations are made.
A developer wants to convert an office building into residential flats under Class MA of GPDO 2015. What must they do?
A) Apply for full planning permission
B) Proceed immediately as no permission is required
C) Ensure it is within a conservation area to qualify
D) Apply for prior approval from the Local Planning Authority
D) Apply for prior approval from the Local Planning Authority
Explanation:
Office-to-residential conversions under Class MA require prior approval from the Local Planning Authority but not full planning permission.
A pub owner (sui generis use) wants to convert it into a retail shop (Class E). What is required?
A) No planning permission, as the use class allows flexibility
B) A certificate of lawfulness must be obtained
C) An Article 4 Direction automatically prohibits it
D) Full planning permission is required
D) Full planning permission is required
Explanation:
Since sui generis uses do not belong to a use class, any change to or from sui generis requires planning permission.
A homeowner in a conservation area wants to replace their front windows. What is correct?
A) No restrictions apply to window replacement
B) They must apply for listed building consent
C) They may need planning permission or conservation area consent
D) GPDO always allows such changes
C) They may need planning permission or conservation area consent
Explanation:
In conservation areas, Article 4 Directions may remove permitted development rights, requiring planning permission.
Which statement is correct regarding listed buildings?
A) Internal work never requires planning permission
B) Grade II listed buildings have no special restrictions
C) Any alteration, extension, or demolition requires listed building consent
D) Only Grade I listed buildings require consent for internal works
C) Any alteration, extension, or demolition requires listed building consent
Explanation:
Listed building consent is needed regardless of grade, even for internal works if they affect the building’s character.
Which of the following requires building regulations approval?
A) Repainting a building exterior
B) Installing a new boiler
C) Replacing a kitchen sink
D) Changing curtains in a hotel
B) Installing a new boiler
Explanation:
Building Regulations control gas safety, so new boilers must be installed by Gas Safe registered engineers.
Which statement about Building Regulations 2010 is correct?
A) They regulate only commercial buildings
B) They cover structural integrity, energy efficiency, and fire safety
C) They are voluntary
D) They apply only to new buildings, not alterations
B) They cover structural integrity, energy efficiency, and fire safety
Explanation:
Building Regulations apply to all construction work, ensuring safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
