Do You Need Permission To Renovate Or Extend Your Home?

Renovating or extending your home can be an exciting project, but understanding the permissions you might need is crucial. In the UK, not all home improvements require planning permission. Surprisingly, many minor alterations can proceed without formal approval, thanks to a system known as ‘Permitted Development’. This scheme, established under The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, allows homeowners to make specific changes without applying for planning permission. Essentially, if your house is relatively original and unmodified, you might benefit from these relaxed rules.

Permitted Development covers a range of activities, including:

• Repairs and Maintenance: Minor repairs and maintenance work.
• Minor Alterations: Simple rear extensions, side extensions, loft conversions, and conservatories.
• Outbuildings: Some garden structures and outbuildings.

However, it is important to know the limitations and conditions to avoid any complications.

Permitted Development for Home Renovations & Extensions

Permitted Development rights are designed to simplify the renovation process, but they come with specific rules. Here’s what you need to know:

• Single-Storey Rear Extensions:
  • Detached Houses: No more than eight metres from the original rear wall.
  • Semi-Detached/Terraced Houses: No more than six metres from the original rear wall.
  • Larger Extensions: Between 4-8 metres for detached houses and 3-6 metres for others require prior approval through the Neighbour Consultation Scheme.
• Side Extensions:
  • Must be single storey.
  • The width should not exceed half the width of the original house.
• Two-Storey Extensions:
  • Must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres.
  • Must be no closer than seven metres to the rear boundary.
• Height Restrictions:
  • No extension should be higher than the highest part of the roof.
  • Single-storey extensions should not exceed a height of four metres.
• Materials and Coverage:
  • The materials used should match the appearance of the existing building.
  • Extensions and other buildings should not cover more than half of the land around the original house, including sheds and outbuildings.

Important Considerations: Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas & More

When dealing with Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rules are stricter. In these locations, Permitted Development rights are often restricted or non-existent. Therefore, always consult your Local Planning Authority before beginning any work. Even if your renovation falls under Permitted Development, applying for a lawful development certificate is advisable. This certificate verifies that your work complies with the regulations, providing reassurance and avoiding future disputes.

For further details, visit Legislation.gov.uk or contact YOOP Architects for professional advice. This ensures your project proceeds smoothly and remains within legal parameters.

Any type of work done to your home requires planning permission but you don’t always need to apply for it – in some cases, it is given automatically.

– Yoop Architects

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Why apply for a lawful development certificate

There are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to have it on record that your extension is covered by permitted development:

1. Neighbours

   If you start building something and there’s no record. That the work you’re carrying out is permitted. Typically your neighbors will inform the local authority. This happens very, very frequently – you’d be surprised. A lot of neighbors think it’s their civic duty to do this. As well as you’ll have an issue with the enforcement team in the local authority. Regardless of whether or not your extension’s covered by permitted development. The enforcement team will request that you either put in a planning application or obtain a certificate of lawfulness.

2. Selling Your Home

   When you come to sell your home, your solicitor will give you a form which asks ‘Have you made any changes to the house?’ If yes, then you have to tick a box for either ‘planning approval’ or a ‘lawful development certificate’. If you do not have either of these documents, you’re again in a situation where no one knows if the extension is lawful.

3. Certainty

   Are you sure your extension is covered by permitted development? Permitted development is a very black and white set of rules and the extension either complies or it doesn’t. If you apply for a lawful development certificate after your extension’s been built. And your builder has built the extension 50mm too high, then it’s no longer covered by permitted development. That puts you in a very difficult position because you may not get planning permission to cover your extension and then the work isn’t lawful.

When Planning Permission Becomes Necessary

If your renovation or extension plans don’t meet the PD criteria, fear not! Planning permission is still an option. Here are some scenarios where you might need to apply for formal approval:

• Major Renovations or Structural Changes: Significant alterations that impact the structure of your property will likely require planning permission.
• Large Extensions: Extensions exceeding the size limits set out in permitted development will need a planning application.
• Changes in Use: Converting a space from, say, a garage to a habitable room typically necessitates planning permission.
• Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas: Renovations or extensions in designated areas or involving listed buildings will require planning permission.

Building Regulations Approval

Building regulations may be sought even if your works are not subject to planning permission so that your renovation or extension can be checked for safety and structural integrity. These include:

• Electrical and plumbing works
• Structural changes, such as demolishing load-bearing walls
• Lofts and extensions
• Insulation and energy efficiency improvements

Being non-compliant with building regulations can make you liable to heavy fines or may create problems when selling the house.

How to apply for a lawful development certificate

To apply for a lawful development certificate. You need to submit an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online application service.

Click ‘Start a planning application’
First Step – Find your address
Second Step – Select Lawful development: Proposed use
Third Step – Confirm details

Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit drawings of the existing and proposed plans. As well as a site location plan and pay the £103 fee.

For more information, go to Lawful Development Certificates

(You don’t need to make the application yourself – Yoop can apply for a lawful development certificate on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about it)

How long does it take to receive a lawful development certificate

Once the application has been submitted, your local authority will assign an official to assess your application. Thoroughly make an inspection visit and check the property’s planning history. Assuming all is correct and within the rights of permitted development, you’ll be granted a lawful development certificate (LDC) within eight weeks.

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If your project is not covered by permitted development, then you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

What is planning permission?

Planning permission is the process by the council, which determines whether extensions on a terraced, semi detached or detached property are lawful. If you carry out work which isn’t covered by permitted development or planning permission, then the local authority would end up asking you to take the building or the extension down.

How do I apply for planning permission?

To apply for planning permission, you need to make an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online application service.

Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit:

• A site plan or location plan
• A full set of existing plans, elevations, potentially sections
• A full set of proposed plans, elevations and potentially sections
• The application fee for planning permission is £206

If your home is in a conservation area or a more complicated area, there might be a written document required as well, called a design and access statement. You can also put in a planning statement, but usually a householder application is fairly straightforward so that you just need good information on the drawings

For more information, go to Planning Permission – How to apply

(You don’t need to make the application yourself – Yoop can apply for planning permission on your behalf and chase the planning authority up until we get the OK so you don’t have to worry about it)

How long does it take to receive planning permission?

The local authority has a statutory eight weeks to deal with the application.

If you have any questions about the planning application process or would like to speak to an architect who can help you source and liaise with a local planner, go ahead and book a free call below with Yoop.

Consequences of Not Obtaining Permission

Failing to obtain the necessary permissions for home renovation or extension can lead to several serious consequences. Understanding these risks is crucial to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.

Legal Implications

When you carry out work without the required planning permission, you face several legal consequences. Firstly, you might receive a fine. Local authorities can impose penalties for unauthorised work. In addition to fines, enforcement actions may be taken.

This could involve orders to rectify or completely undo the work. The council may require you to restore the property to its original state. These orders can be both costly and disruptive.

Furthermore, if the council decides that the work affects the character of the neighbourhood or breaches regulations, you could be compelled to take down the extension or modification entirely.

Therefore, obtaining the necessary permissions beforehand helps you avoid these costly and stressful outcomes.

Impact on Property Value

Unauthorised work can significantly impact your property’s value. When you make changes without proper planning approval, potential buyers may see this as a red flag. They might worry about the legality and safety of the modifications. Consequently, this could lead to a reduced market value.

Buyers may also require legal assurances or proof that the work complies with regulations. If you cannot provide this, it may hinder the sale of your property. In some cases, buyers may even request further investigations or reports, increasing the complexity of the sale.

Thus, ensuring all work is authorised and documented not only avoids legal issues but also maintains your property’s value and appeal.

Breathe Easy: The Final Word on Permissions

Whether you’re dreaming of a modern kitchen renovation or a spacious extension, understanding permitted development rights and planning permission is crucial. Permitted development offers a streamlined process for smaller projects, but it’s essential to ensure your plans meet the limitations.

If your vision extends beyond PD allowances, planning permission might be required. The process may seem daunting, but don’t be discouraged! Consulting with a qualified architect or architectural technologist can make all the difference. They can assess your project’s feasibility under permitted development or guide you through the planning application process.

So, breathe easy! With the right information and professional guidance, you can navigate the world of permissions and transform your home renovation or extension dreams into a reality.

How Yoop Architects Can Assist You

At Yoop Architects, we guide homeowners through the complexities of planning permission, building regulations, and permitted development to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. Our services include:

Planning Permission Guidance: We look at whether your project requires permission and handle the entire application process should permission be required.

Design & Feasibility Studies: Design space-efficient solutions while ensuring they are innovative and comply with regulations.

Building Regulations Compliance: A legal and structural standpoint on your renovation.

Liaison with Local Councils: Submission of permissions and approvals, stakeholder, and neighbour consultation.

End-to-End Project Support: From start to finish, a seamless transformation.

Conclusion

It is important to know whether planning permission is necessary for your home renovation or extension and whether it is under Permitted Development Rights. Knowing what is required helps prevent legal complications, delays, and extra costs.

With Yoop Architects, the entire way will be an amount of expert advice so that every transformation of your home shall be done legally and beautifully.

Contact us now to start a conversation on your renovation and take the first step towards your dream home!