Do You Need Planning Permission for Your Extension?

You might be able to build an extension on your home without needing official planning approval. This is often possible thanks to what are known as 'permitted development' rights. However, you can only proceed if your project adheres to a specific set of limitations and conditions. If your planned extension goes beyond these boundaries, you'll most likely need to submit a formal application for household planning permission.

Important Points Before You Start Building Your Extension:

• Be aware that if your new construction adds more than 100 square metres of floor space, you could face a charge under the Community Infrastructure Levy. This levy is a fee local councils can apply to new developments.

• When assessing these regulations, remember they apply to the entire enlargement of your property. This means you must consider both your proposed extension and any previous additions you have made.

• Permitted development rights for extensions are exclusively for traditional houses. You cannot use these rights if your property falls into one of the following categories:

  • Flats or maisonettes.

  • Homes that were originally converted under specific 'permitted development' allowances. This includes those detailed in Schedule 2, Part 3, Classes G; M; MA; N; P; PA and Q for 'Changes of use', or Schedule 2, Part 20 for 'New Dwellinghouses'.

  • Any other kind of building.

  • Properties located in areas subject to a planning condition, an Article 4 Direction (where your local council has removed or restricted certain permitted development rights), or any other local limitation.