Planning Permission for Extensions

Not all house extensions need planning permission so please read through this page to give you a fuller understanding of the processes and limitations.

If you do need to apply for planning permission for an extensions, then it is a complicated process that you will need help with as it  involves a wide range of different skills and challenges. Plande has a wide range of experience right across the UK and is successful in obtaining planning permission for extensions.}

Resources:

Check whether your house extension is covered under permitted development

Check what’s covered under Prior Approval

Read more about Householder Planning.

If you are looking to increase the area away from the footprint of your property then consider an Outbuilding as an option.

The location and planning context of the extension is critical in the chances success. Check out our our page on Green Belt Extensions for specific restrictions.

Plande has a history of working on on projects in Conservation Areas and properties requiring Listed Building Consent. We also work on difficult corner plots, previous extensions, open countryside.

Can I build an extension without planning permission?

Yes: not all house extensions require planning permission. Some works to your home can be carried out using permitted development rights. It is essential to check that your house benefits from such rights, as not all houses have them.

Which properties have permitted development rights restrictions or limitations?

Flats and maisonettes
Houses in Conservation Areas
Converted houses
Houses with permitted development restricted by condition
Houses located within Article 4 areas

Assuming that planning permission for extensions is required, a householder planning application could be submitted to the local planning authority. Please see here for more information on these specialist types of planning applications.

Many Local Authorities have dedicated supplementary planning guidance or documents (often known as SPG’s or SPD’s) providing information on what they would likely accept or require in granting planning permission for house extensions. These can be quite restrictive or prescriptive (dictatorial), especially when considering larger house extensions or home remodelling projects.

What Size Extension Can I Build Without Planning Permission?

Permitted development (PD rights) applies to a range of alterations including for single storey rear extensions and side extensions. The rules are stricter for extensions in a conservation area.

Typically for a single storey extension, the back wall must not extend beyond 3m for an attached property (semi-detached or terraced) and 4m for a detached property. These increase to 6m and 8m with prior approval.

Careful consideration should also be given to the height of the extension. For example, the maximum height under permitted development for a single storey extension is typically 4m, but if the extension is within 2m of the boundary with a neighbour, then the height is restricted to 3m.  Note also that the height of the extension roof cannot be higher than the existing roof.

See more detailed guidance on the Government Website. We strongly advise consulting with your Local Planning Authority and submitting a Lawful Development Certificate before commencing any work as PD rights may be restricted, removed, or not applicable to your property, for example with an Article 4, within a Conservation Area or if you property is a flat or maisonette.

At plande, we can often obtain planning permission for extension designs which do not fully comply with guidelines. Often an extension doesn’t fit neatly within the assumed guideline scenarios or even that Architects or Builders have misinterpreted the rules.

Plande steps in to act for clients in obtaining planning permission for extensions. Especially where issues have been raised during the planning application process.