Hi MD600
I believe you have always needed planning permission at home to make a helipad. If any construction takes place ie. conrete pad or hangar to store heli in etc you require planning permission. You are allowed to put up a windsock without needing planning permission for a helipad though!
But you can still land a heli without the need for a helipad of course ;-) And its amazing what you can get in a garden shed.
Regards
HoverBover