Not all changes or improvements to your home need permission from the planning department. There are many that you can carry out with implied consent, known as Permitted Development rights. Permitted development rules and regulations give homeowners the right to build extensions and make certain changes to their homes without the need to go through the planning permission process.

What is Permitted Development?

The term applies to any development that can be lawfully carried out without seeking planning permission. However, in some areas of the country, known as ‘designated areas’ Permitted Development rights are more restricted. These include in a Conservation Area, National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are also different requirements for a listed building. Also when you purchase a property you should check whether the Permitted Development rights have been removed by the Council.

What are the Permitted Development rules?

Detached houses can be extended up to 8m in length in the case of a detached house. For any other house up to 6m in length in where not located in a designated area. These measurements must be taken from the rear elevation of the original house as built or as it stood on 1 July 1948. Do check if you move into a house that Permitted Development rights haven’t already been used up by the previous owners.

The maximum height of a Permitted Development extension is 4m. However, if the extension is within 2m of any boundary, the maximum eaves height should be no higher than 3m. Double-storey extensions are allowed, but can’t extend further than a depth of 3m. It should be no closer than 7m to the rear balcony. You can have a side extension, but it must be no higher than 4m and no wider than half the width of your existing house.

No more than half the area of land around the original house (as it stood on 1 July 1948) should be covered in buildings. And you must use construction methods that match your existing home. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms are permitted. Special rules apply to chimneys, flues, soil and vent pipes. This needs consideration if you want to install a wood-burning stove for example.
It should be noted that Permitted Development rules vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Lawful Development Certificate

For peace of mind, it is worth obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate as this ensures your local authority agrees your proposed scheme is covered by Permitted Development. Permitted Development allowances can be removed or restricted by conditions attached to planning permission or by something called Article 4 Direction, which relates to property in a conservation area.

It is good practice to check with your Local Planning Authority before starting any work