What is a Non-Material Amendment — and When Might You Need One?

When planning permission is granted for your project, it can feel like the hard part is over. But what happens if you need to make a small change to your approved plans? Maybe you want to move a window, tweak a roofline, or slightly change a material. Do you have to start the whole planning process again?

Thankfully, no — not always. In many cases, you can apply for what’s called a non-material amendment.

What is a Non-Material Amendment?

A non-material amendment (often shortened to NMA) is a way to make a minor change to an approved planning permission without needing to submit a brand-new application. It’s intended for alterations that are so small they won’t significantly impact the original planning decision or affect neighbours or the local area.

This route is typically used after full planning or householder planning permission has been granted.

Examples of Non-Material Amendments

While there's no strict definition of what counts as "non-material" (it’s judged case-by-case by each local planning authority), some common examples include:

• Slight repositioning of windows or doors

• Minor changes to external materials

• Reducing the size of an extension

• Adjusting roof pitch or design slightly

• Adding a rooflight

• Moving internal walls (if they affect the external layout)

  
  

When Might You Need One?

You might need a non-material amendment if:

• You encounter a construction issue on site that requires a minor tweak to the design

• You or your builder find a more cost-effective or energy-efficient material

• You decide to reconfigure a layout slightly to better suit how you'll use the space

• Your supplier can no longer provide a particular feature (like a window style or cladding)

  
  

In short, it’s useful when reality doesn’t quite match the original plan — and you need to respond without delaying your build or falling foul of planning enforcement.

What Doesn’t Qualify as Non-Material?

Changes that are more significant, such as increasing the size of a building, altering its use, changing site access, or introducing something likely to impact neighbours (like a new balcony or overlooking window) won’t be accepted as an NMA. These would usually require a new planning application or a “material amendment,” which is more involved.

Can Tekkwise Help?

Absolutely. At Tekkwise, we often support clients with non-material amendments, especially when changes arise during the build. We’ll assess whether your changes qualify, prepare the necessary drawings and documents, and manage the submission for you — ensuring a smooth process and avoiding costly delays.

If you’re not sure whether you need an amendment or a new application, get in touch with us — we’re always happy to guide you.