A quick guide to whether your extension could fall under Permitted Development.
UNDERSTANDING THE PLANNING RULES
Do you actually need planning permission?
Many homeowners assume every extension requires a lengthy council application. In reality, thousands of family kitchen and rear extensions across England are built under Permitted Development—saving months of waiting and unnecessary application fees.
Permitted Development (PD) — The Streamlined Route
Standard rear limits: 3m for semi-detached/terraced houses; 4m for detached houses. Single-storey height up to 4m, with eaves up to 3m within 2m of a boundary. All other conditions still apply.
Larger Home Scheme: Up to 6m (attached) or 8m (detached), subject to the council’s 42-day prior-approval process. Not available on designated land or SSSIs; resolve prior approval before starting.
Before building: Check the original house, previous additions, materials and all restrictions. Arrange drawings and Building Regulations approval; an LDC provides formal council confirmation.
When Full Planning Permission IS Required
A formal council planning application is necessary if:
Outside PD rules: Depth, height, boundaries or other conditions may require full planning permission. Side, wrap-around and two-storey proposals need a property-specific review.
Protected properties: Designated land, conservation areas, Article 4 directions and planning conditions can restrict rights. Listed-building work may also need separate Listed Building Consent.
Flats & maisonettes: These do not have householder extension PD rights.
Not sure which rules apply to your home? Philip can review your property history, local council constraints, and feasibility during an initial consultation.
