
Breathe life into your beloved home with an extension! But before the bricks are laid and the mortar mixed, understanding planning permission for extensions is crucial.
Planning permission ensures that any changes to buildings or land are appropriate for the local area, maintaining the character of neighbourhoods and preventing negative impacts on the community.
This guide serves as your roadmap for navigating the planning permission process in the UK. We’ll delve into when planning permission is required, explore permitted development rights, and unpack the factors that influence approval decisions.
By understanding the requirements and knowing when planning permission is needed, you can avoid potential pitfalls.
Furthermore, we will discuss different types of extensions and their specific requirements, from single-storey to wrap-around extensions, including considerations for listed buildings and conservation areas.
The application process can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and understanding, it becomes manageable. We will cover everything from pre-application advice to submitting the application and what to do if your application is refused.
Additionally, we’ll address common challenges, such as objections from neighbours and meeting building regulations, and provide tips on overcoming them.
From maximizing space within limitations to navigating potential challenges, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to transform your dream extension into a reality, all while adhering to necessary regulations.
Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
Understanding Planning Permission
Planning permission is a legal requirement for many building projects. It ensures that changes to buildings or land fit within the local area’s character. It also prevents developments that could negatively impact the community.
Local planning authorities grant planning permission. These authorities review applications and consider various factors. They look at the design, impact on the environment, and how the project fits into the local area.
By ensuring that each project complies with local policies, planning authorities help maintain the community’s overall appearance and function. Without planning permission, unauthorised developments could lead to penalties or forced removal. Therefore, understanding and obtaining planning permission is crucial for any extension project.
Understanding Permitted Development
- The Good News: In some cases, you might not need full planning permission! Permitted development (PD) rights allow certain building works to be carried out without a formal application.
- Limitations of PD: PD allowances have limitations regarding the size, height, and location of extensions. It’s crucial to understand these limitations to ensure your project qualifies.
- Check Your Local Council: Local authorities might have additional restrictions or considerations for PD in your area. Always check their website or planning portal for the latest information.
When is Full Planning Permission Required?
If your extension plans exceed permitted development allowances, you’ll need to submit a full planning application. Here are some general guidelines:
- Size and Scale: Extensions exceeding a specific percentage of the original dwelling or a certain maximum cubic meterage typically require full planning permission.
- Location and Impact: Extensions built forward of a certain building line or extensions that significantly impact the character of the surrounding area will likely require full planning permission.
- Listed Buildings: Any alterations or extensions to listed buildings (buildings of historical or architectural importance) almost always require full planning permission.
When isn’t planning permission required for extensions?
Planning permission may not be required for your extension. If the changes you are making are within the rules of permitted development.
If you’re not in a conservation area, don’t have a listed building. Or you’re not in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Then you probably have permitted development and as long as your house is quite original and unmodified. Accordingly then you’re allowed to make various minor changes to your house without planning permission. However, you should still submit it and get a certificate of lawfulness.
Most things actually require planning permission and we would suggest that you always submit to get planning permission. Or a certificate of lawfulness. The reason for this is if you start building something. Then typically your neighbors will inform the local authority. This happens very, very frequently – you’d be surprised. A lot of neighbour’s think it’s their civic duty to do this. After that you’ll have an issue with the enforcement team in the local authority.
Why Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate Even for Permitted Extensions?
Even if you think it’s permitted development and you don’t submit to get the certificate of lawfulness. Again your neighbors will see you building something and think you don’t have planning permission. Because they’ll go online to see if you’ve got planning approval.
So you may well be permitted to build your extension, but unless there’s any record on the council’s website. Then the enforcement team will be called. They won’t know whether it’s permitted development or not, and will request that you either put in a planning application or certificate of lawfulness.
Permitted development on a single storey extension is six meters from the original rear of the house if it’s a terraced or semi-detached property (3-6 meter extensions are subject to the Neighbour Consultation Scheme)
The Planning Application Process: What to Expect
- Gathering Information: You’ll need detailed drawings and plans of your proposed extension, a design and access statement explaining your design choices, and potentially additional reports (structural engineer reports, heritage assessments).
- Submitting the Application: Applications are typically submitted electronically through your local council’s planning portal. There will be an associated fee for submitting the application.
- Council Assessment: The planning department will assess your application against local planning policies. This might involve site visits and consultations with neighbors.
- The Decision: The planning department will issue a decision (approval, rejection, or request for further information) on your application, typically within a set timeframe (although this can vary depending on the complexity of the project).
Types of Extensions and Their Requirements
Single-storey Extensions
Single-storey extensions are popular for expanding living space without significant structural changes. These extensions usually involve adding a new room to the ground floor.
They often fall under permitted development rights, meaning you might not need planning permission if you follow specific rules. For instance, the extension must not exceed a certain height, and it should not extend too far from the original house.
The design should also complement the existing structure. By adhering to these guidelines, you can often avoid the planning permission process, making single-storey extensions a convenient option.
Multi-storey Extensions
Multi-storey extensions add more than one level to your home, providing significant additional space. However, these extensions are more complex and typically require planning permission. Factors such as height, proximity to boundaries, and impact on neighbours are crucial.
The design must consider structural stability and harmony with the existing building. Additionally, multi-storey extensions often face stricter regulations, especially in terms of overlooking and overshadowing neighbouring properties.
Due to their complexity, you should consult with an architect or planning consultant to ensure your plans meet all necessary requirements.
Rear and Side Extensions
These are common choices for homeowners looking to expand their living space. Rear extensions extend from the back of the house, while side extensions add space to the side. Both types can fall under permitted development rights if they meet specific criteria.
These include limits on height, depth, and proximity to boundaries. However, larger extensions typically require planning permission. Ensuring the extension complements the existing building and does not negatively impact neighbours is essential. By carefully planning and considering these factors, you can achieve a seamless addition to your home.
Wrap-around Extensions
Wrap-around extensions combine rear and side extensions to create an L-shaped expansion. This type of extension offers substantial new space and can transform the layout of your home. Due to its size and potential impact, a wrap-around extension usually requires planning permission.
The design must address both rear and side extension requirements, including height, proximity to boundaries, and overall impact on the surrounding area.
Consulting with professionals can help navigate the complexities and ensure the extension complies with all regulations. With careful planning, a wrap-around extension can significantly enhance your home’s functionality and value.
Special Cases (e.g., Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas)
Extensions to listed buildings or properties in conservation areas face additional scrutiny. Listed buildings are protected due to their historical or architectural significance.
Therefore, any alterations, including extensions, require special permission.
The extension must preserve the character and integrity of the original structure. Similarly, properties in conservation areas are subject to stricter regulations to maintain the area’s character. Extensions in these areas often require planning permission and must adhere to specific design guidelines.
Consulting with heritage professionals and local authorities is crucial. By respecting these special considerations, you can ensure your extension project complies with all necessary regulations and preserves the property’s historical
What single storey extensions are exempt from planning permission?
Permitted development covers a rear single storey extension as long as the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than eight metres if it’s a detached property or no more than six metres for any other house. However, larger single-storey rear extensions are subject to the Neighbour Consultation Scheme. This means that for a single-storey rear extension between 4-8 metres for a detached house or 3-6 metres for a semi-detached/terraced house, your Local Planning Authority will need to be informed of the proposed work via a ‘Prior Approval’ application and your extension is subject to approval.
You can also add a side extension up to half the width of the original house under permitted development.
What multiple storey extensions are exempt from planning permission?
Under permitted development, you can add a double storey rear extension on a semi-detached property of up to three meters on the ground floor and up to three meters on the first floor, but all of the extensions need to be two meters away from each boundary. If they’re touching any other extensions, then they probably won’t be covered by permitted development.
We would suggest that you need to seek planning permission on this, but you can achieve a first floor rear extension on a semi-detached property or even a terraced property under permitted development. A terraced property does tend to be a bit narrower though so it is more difficult.
For a double rear extension on a detached property, you can do up to three meters on the ground floor and up to three meters on the first floor. If you were just doing the ground floor, you could go up to four meters, but if you’re doing the double, it’s three and three.
Do conservatories require planning permission for extension?
Conservatories still need planning permission, but you can also do them under permitted development. They need to accord with the same rules of three meters maximum on a semi-detached. And there’s also a height restriction of three meters across all permitted development rear extensions.
Share this…
Getting Help and Professional Guidance
The planning application process can involve complexities. Here are some resources to consider:
- Your Local Council Planning Portal: A wealth of information on permitted development allowances, local planning policies, downloadable application forms, and potentially online guidance for submitting applications.
- Planning Consultants: Consider hiring a planning consultant, especially for complex projects. They can guide you through the process, liaise with the planning department on your behalf, and potentially increase your chances of a successful application.
- Chartered Architects or Architectural Technologists: These professionals can create the necessary drawings and plans for your application, advise on design considerations to comply with planning policies, and provide valuable support throughout the process.
Does a summer house/granny annex require planning permission?
A summer house/granny annex can be achieved under permitted development. And they can be quite a generous size in the rear garden. You could also build a pool house or a hobby room under permitted development. However, the installation of toilets and kitchens isn’t necessarily covered by permitted development. So if it’s to be a self contained unit, then you may need to get planning permission.
Additionally, local authorities are always mindful that a self-contained building could be a separate dwelling. Though that would be unlawful and would not achieve planning approval or permitted development. If it’s ancillary to the use of the house, then that’s a different story. It’s a fine line of does it have a kitchen and a bathroom. If it doesn’t have a kitchen that it’s definitely ancillary to the house. But what the council’s looking to avoid is the homeowner potentially renting the building out as a separate dwelling.
Do I need planning permission for a garage?
Yes, it’s a structure that will either be in front of your house. Beside the house or to the rear of the house. It will affect your property, your neighbors and the wider community. So planning permission will be required.
If you have any questions about whether you need to apply for a certificate of lawfulness (if the work’s covered by permitted development). Or you need to apply for planning permission, go ahead and book a free call below with Yoop.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Objections from Neighbours
Neighbours often raise objections to extension plans, which can delay or complicate the process. Common concerns include loss of privacy, overshadowing, and noise during construction. To address these issues, engage with your neighbours early in the planning stages.
Show them your plans and discuss any potential concerns. This proactive approach can help mitigate objections and foster a positive relationship. If objections persist, consider adjusting your plans to reduce the impact on neighbours.
For example, use obscure glazing to maintain privacy or reduce the extension’s height to minimise overshadowing. Addressing neighbours’ concerns effectively can smooth the planning process.
Meeting Building Regulations
Meeting building regulations is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of your extension. These regulations cover structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. To comply, you must submit detailed plans and undergo inspections during construction.
Hiring a qualified architect or builder familiar with building regulations can help ensure your project meets all requirements. Regular communication with building control officers is also crucial.
They can provide guidance and feedback throughout the process. By staying informed and working with professionals, you can meet building regulations and avoid potential issues.
Adjusting Plans Based on Feedback from the Planning Authority
Planning authorities often provide feedback on your extension plans, requiring adjustments to gain approval. This feedback might involve changes to the design, size, or placement of the extension. It is crucial to remain flexible and open to these suggestions.
Work closely with your architect or planning consultant to make necessary changes. Resubmitting revised plans promptly shows your willingness to comply with regulations.
Additionally, consider seeking pre-application advice to identify potential issues early on. By adjusting your plans based on feedback, you can improve the chances of obtaining planning permission.
What to Do If Your Application Is Refused
Understanding the Reasons for Refusal
If your planning permission application is refused, understanding the reasons is the first step towards a successful resubmission. The planning authority will provide detailed feedback, outlining specific issues.
Common reasons include non-compliance with local policies, negative impact on neighbours, or inappropriate design. Carefully review this feedback and consult with your architect or planning consultant to address these concerns.
By thoroughly understanding the reasons for refusal, you can make informed changes to your application and improve the chances of approval upon resubmission.
Making Changes and Resubmitting Your Application
After identifying the reasons for refusal, making the necessary changes to your application is crucial. This might involve altering the design, reducing the size of the extension, or changing materials to better fit the local character.
Once you have made the changes, resubmit your application with a clear explanation of how you have addressed the planning authority’s concerns. Ensuring your revised plans meet all requirements and guidelines increases the likelihood of approval. Persistence and attention to detail are key in this stage of the process.
The Appeals Process
If your resubmitted application is still refused, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process involves submitting your case to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body that reviews planning decisions. To start an appeal, you must submit a form, along with all relevant documents and evidence.
The Planning Inspectorate will consider your case and may hold a hearing. It is crucial to provide clear and compelling arguments addressing the planning authority’s reasons for refusal.
Although the appeals process can be time-consuming, it offers a valuable opportunity to gain approval for your extension. By thoroughly preparing your case, you can improve the chances of a successful appeal.
Building Your Dream
With careful planning, the right information, and potentially the support of qualified professionals, you can navigate the planning permission process for your extension with confidence. Remember, a successful application paves the way for transforming your home and creating that much-needed extra space. So embark on your planning journey and watch your dream extension become a reality!