Guides

Background reading, every claim sourced.

Plain-English explainers on the parts of England planning and building control that catch people out. These are guides, not the tool itself, and not planning or legal advice.

Planning stage

Fire safety and your planning application

When the Building Safety Act's fire checks apply at planning stage: Planning Gateway One, the Building Safety Regulator's role, and the London Plan Policy D12 statements some boroughs ask for. For almost every home project these change nothing, but it is worth knowing when they apply.

Read the guide

Higher-risk buildings

Building control for works in a high-rise building

When works in a higher-risk building need BSR approval, and what the application must contain. Includes categories, current sources, exceptions, fees and assessment limits.

Read the guide

Start with the checklist for your project.

See what to gather, then bring your documents together and review what needs attention.

Start your free checklist See how it works

Free to start · No card required · England householder planning, lawful development certificates & higher-risk building control