What Can I Build? Explorer
Use this tool when you are still exploring possibilities rather than validating one measured scheme. It helps you move from a simple property setup into a shortlist of project types that are worth checking next, without drowning you in legal detail.
Explore What Could Fit
Choose the property type, describe the amount of space, add any obvious features or local sensitivity, then explore the most likely project options.
What This Tool Is Good For
What it answers well
It helps you move from a vague idea like 'what could we do with this house?' into a shortlist of project types that usually make sense for this setup.
What it does not try to do
It does not replace measured project checks, local verification or the stricter route-based logic in the decision engine.
Best next move
Pick the project option that feels closest to your goal, then open the guide or run that option through the Planning Decision Engine for a deeper check.
Questions This Tool Is Best At Narrowing
- What can I build on this property?
- What project type looks most realistic here?
- Should I start with an extension, loft or outbuilding?
- Which home improvement options are worth checking next?
How This Tool Fits Into The Wider Planning Process
What Can I Build? Explorer is intended as a quick planning aid based on common UK planning considerations and permitted development limits.
Use it to narrow the question, then move into project guides, local authority pages or formal confirmation if the scheme is close to a limit. The route can differ by country, especially once Scotland or Wales are involved.
FAQ Pages Worth Opening After The Tool
Planning Permission Vs Permitted Development
Open this when the shortlist is narrowing but the approval route still feels mixed.
Read answerWhat Counts As The Original House?
Useful when site history and previous additions may change what is still realistic.
Read answerIs Pre-Application Advice Worth It?
Useful when one option is starting to look serious enough that early council feedback may be worth the time.
Read answerDetailed Guidance Worth Opening Next
Planning Decision Engine
Use this once one of the explorer options starts to look serious and you want a stricter route check.
Open guidePlanning Rejection Risk Analyzer
A strong follow-on if you are already leaning toward a particular scheme and want to stress-test refusal risks.
Open guideHouse Extensions
Useful when your shortlist is pointing toward extensions rather than roof or outbuilding options.
Open guideLoft Conversions
Open this if roof space is one of the clearest opportunities the explorer is surfacing.
Open guideOutbuildings
Helpful when the result is pointing toward garden rooms and detached structures.
Open guidePermitted Development
Use this for the baseline rules behind the broad exploratory result.
Open guideUse These Tools Properly
What they are for
- Reducing uncertainty at the start of the process.
- Helping you pick the right next page quickly.
- Spotting when the answer probably needs escalation.
What they do not replace
- Formal confirmation for borderline schemes.
- Local authority checks where special controls apply.
- Country-specific checking where England, Wales or Scotland follow different planning routes.
- Detailed professional advice for complex cases.