Planning
Permission
"Do I need planning permission?"
​
This is one of the most commonly asked questions from our clients, and for good reason.
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Requiring Planning Permission from your local council will add additional fees to your project and take time.
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Local councils have a lead time of seven weeks to return
a decision, but due to a backlog from the pandemic, 2023 has seen some councils take up to 3 - 4 months
to return a decision.
Luckily not all projects require
full Planning Permission...
Permitted
Development
Depending on the size and scale of the project, many householder projects such as extensions, garage and loft conversions fall under a clause called Permitted Development (P.D) and may not require planning permission.
"What can I build under Permitted Development?"
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Single storey rear extension
- Detached property: 4m deep, or
(8m with Neighbour consultation scheme)
- Semi Detached/terraced property: 3m deep, or
(6m with Neighbour consultation scheme).​
includes Conservatories, Orangeries, Kitchen extensions.
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Two storey rear extension
3m deep, (Ground floor element also restricted
to 3m.
Not permitted if within 7m of rear boundary.
The eaves height of a rear extension cannot be greater than 3m if it is within two metres of an adjoining boundary.
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Side extension
No wider than half the width of existing property.
Restricted to single storey. (Ridge or eaves height for single storey side or rear extensions cannot exceed 4m or existing ridge height).
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Loft Conversion
Volume of enlargement (including any previous enlargement) must not exceed the original roof space by more than:
- 40 cubic metres for terraced
- 50 cubic metres for otherwise
Must not exceed the height of the existing roof.
Must not include: Verandas, Balconies (Juliette Balconies may be permitted depending on site), or raised platforms.
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Plus more...
All Extensions, including those already built, and other buildings must not exceed 50 per cent of the total area of land around the original house. The term “original house” means the house as it was when it was first built, or as it stood on 1 July 1948. Any extension must not result in more than half the garden being covered and must not go forward of the building line of the original dwelling.​
N.B. Permitted Development rights do not qualify if you live in a flat or maisonette or your property is protected (i.e a Listed Building) or falls within a Conservation Area.
