Can I build under permitted development rights?
If your extension falls within certain criteria, permitted development rights can allow you to transform your home without planning permission.
What are they?
Permitted development rights are a type of general planning permission awarded on existing houses and outbuildings (excluding flats and apartments).
What are the Guidelines?
You can plan and build an extension to your home so long as you stick to the following guidelines:
Single Storey Extension
Sits to the rear or side of your property (so long as it does not face a highway).
Extends from the rear wall of the existing house by a maximum of 4m if detached and 3m if attached.
Less than 4m in height (reduced to 3m if within 2m of a property boundary).
Less than half the width of your existing house.
Eaves and ridge sit below those on the existing property.
Building materials to be similar to the existing house.
Top Tip 👍
You can extend further than the 3-4m quoted above through the 'larger home extension scheme’
Don’t just take our word for it, for more expanded criteria check out the planning portal here.
Two Storey Extension
Sits to the rear of your property.
Extends from the rear wall of the existing house by a maximum of 3m or within 7m of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house.
Roof pitch to match that of the existing house as far as is possible.
Eaves and ridge sit below those on the existing property.
Uses the same building materials as on the existing property.
No balconies or verandas.
Building materials to be similar to the existing house.
Loft Conversion
Adds less than 40m3 for terrace houses.
Adds less than 50m3 for detached and semi-detached houses.
Extension sits higher than the existing highest part of the roof.
Roof extensions are set back at least 200mm from the outer wall face.
Windows are non-opening if less than 1.7m from floor level
No balconies or verandas.
Building materials to be similar to the existing house.
Porch
Total ground area is less than 3 sq.m
Highest point of the porch is under 3m
Doesn’t sit within 2m of a property boundary.
Top tip 👍
If your house sits on designated land (national parks, AONB, conservation areas and world heritage sites then your permitted development rights may be diminished from what is represented above.
Is it just me…
It’s not you, the world of planning policy and permitted development can be confusing to the best of us, but no fear! We’re on hand to help.
Get in touch via our contact page, or by clicking here. We can advise you on how best to approach your project and what guidelines you need to adhere to.
Read on
Decided you need planning permission? Check out our post: ‘what do I need to submit a planning application?'
Intrigued about increasing the size of your permitted extension without planning permission? Check out ‘What is the larger home extension scheme?’.
Further information can be found on the planning portal here.