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In May 2019 new Permitted Development rights for homeowners were updated by central government. These changes made temporary rules regarding particular types of development permanent. The new rules give homeowners more flexibility to extend and develop their homes without applying for full planning permission.

Read our guide to domestic Permitted Development (PD) below to find out exactly what changes you are now permitted to make to your homes and the process you must follow to make sure your development is legal.

So what exactly do the new rules mean?

Increased Size Limits for Single Storey Extensions

Yes! You read that right, the government has increased the permitted size of domestic extensions, without having to apply for planning permission. Excellent news but don’t get too carried away and start laying your foundations, there are still a number of regulations that you must follow to make sure that you are within your legal rights to build.

Your PD single storey extension:

• Can cover up to half the area of land surrounding the ‘original house’. You must consider the size of any existing extensions, sheds and outbuildings within this calculation.
• Must not be at the front or side of your home, where it faces a highway.
• Can extend up to 8m (detached house) or 6m (semi-detached / terrace houses) from the original rear wall of your home.*
• Can be up to four metres in height.
• Should be made of materials similar in appearance to those of the existing house.
• Unfortunately, you cannot include verandas, balconies or raised platforms in your designs.

But what if I want a double storey extension?

You can build a double storey extension but further rules apply. Your PD double storey extension must not:

• Extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres.
• Be higher than the highest part of your existing roof.
• Be no closer than seven metres to rear boundary.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.

PD Side extensions (single storey) must not be more than a maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house. However, if it is within 2m of a boundary the maximum eaves height is three metres

Who can help me plan my extension to make sure it falls within Permitted Development?

An experienced Architect can help plan your extension with you from day one. It is easy to get lost and confused when trying to make sense of the new rules with regards to your own property. Calling on the help of an Architect who works with permitted development and planning regulations on a daily basis will alleviate any worries that you have about your build. Find more about our services and their related costs here.

I have my extension designed following the PD rules, hard hats at the ready, can I start the build?

You’re nearly there, your dream extension is in sight but there is one very important step left to take. If you are planning a larger single-storey rear extension (over four and up to eight metres for detached houses and over three and up to six metres for all other houses) you must submit your plans to the local planning authority for a ‘Prior Approval’ through the ‘Neighbour Consultation Scheme’.

This scheme gives notice to your neighbours that you are planning to build an extension and gives them a chance to raise concerns or objections. The local authority will decide whether these concerns are valid and decide if you can go ahead or not. This application costs £96 from 19^th August 2019.

Important things to consider:

Building Regulations

• Even if your planned extension falls into ‘Permitted Development’ it must follow ‘Building Regulation’ standards. Your building contractors will have to notify the local authority of the work they have undertaken and apply for approval. Once approved you will receive certificates of compliance which will be very important if you ever decide to sell your home.

*Development on Article 2(3) designated land:

These PD rules change for extensions to homes built on designated land (national park, the Broads, an Area of Outstanding Beauty, a conservation area or World Heritage Site) This means you are able to build but with further restrictions:

• Single storey allowances – 4m for a detached house or 3m for other types of houses.
• No side extensions
• No cladding of exterior
• No more than one storey

This is a great example of a simple house extension that falls under ‘Permitted Development’.

• It extends 5 metres from the rear wall of the house.
• It does not exceed 4 metres in height.
• It is less than 50% of the overall surrounding land within the boundaries of the house.

It is very important that you are aware of the legal limits as to what you can build under ‘Permitted Development’. If you are unsure of anything, speak to one of our experts on 0161 546 5395 or email us at info@studiotashkeel.com