Building Control vs. Planning Permission: Keeping Your London Renovation on Track
- Beam Designs
- May 28
- 2 min read
If you're planning a renovation in London, there's one common point of confusion that can cause serious delays: the difference between planning permission and Building Control approval.
At Beam Designs, we work with homeowners across the capital to ensure their projects are safe, legal, and structurally sound – with Building Control-ready structural calculations.
Planning Permission vs. Building Regulations: What’s the Difference?
Planning permission is about how land and buildings are used – appearance, size, and neighbourhood impact. Building regulations, on the other hand, are about how buildings are built – structure, fire safety, drainage, and more.
This means that even if you don’t need planning approval (for example, under Permitted Development rules), you still need to meet Building Regulations – and that includes signed structural calculations for anything load-bearing.
When Are Structural Calculations Required?
In most London renovations, you’ll need structural calcs if you’re:
Building an extension – to design foundations, beams, and lintels
Converting a loft – to support new floors, dormers, and stairs
Removing internal walls – to ensure structural loads are safely transferred
Installing large openings – for bi-fold doors or open-plan spaces
These calculations must be submitted to Building Control as part of your application. Without them, your project can be stopped or refused.
A Common Mistake in London Projects
Homeowners often get planning permission, then think they’re ready to build – only to discover they still need structural calculations for Building Regs. This delay can cost time and money, especially in fast-moving projects across London boroughs like Hackney, Camden, or Wandsworth.
Need help navigating regulations? Beam Designs provides clear, compliant structural calculations for extensions, lofts, and renovations across London. We’ll help you meet home renovation building regulations with no fuss – and no guesswork.
Get in touch with Beam Designs today and keep your project moving.
Join the countless satisfied clients who have entrusted Beam Designs with their structural engineering needs.
Get started on your project today
Beam Designs offers structural calculations suitable for Part A Building Regulation Submission from £85. Click 'get started' today to find out more.
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