Permitted development for rear extensions

PD rights allow you to construct a rear extension without full planning permission. However, PD is not a free-for-all; it has rules, and some types of properties do not have PD rights at all. For Home Extensions Upper Slaughter, visit https://precisionbuildersltd.co.uk/services/home-extensions/upper-slaughter/

Here is an overview of what most people can experience:

How PD Usually Works (Layman Terms)

For a lot of houses, you can add a single-storey rear extension WITHOUT needing planning permission as long as it meets the following criteria:

How much does it extend beyond the original rear wall?

Overall height and eaves height

Percentage of garden/patio occupied by extensions/outbuildings

Close match to existing house

If close to boundaries or if the extension wraps the side of the building, additional considerations apply.

When PD may not apply

You might need planning permission if:

You live in a flat/maisonette

The property is listed

In a reserve (or other regulation area)

PD allowances exhausted by previous owners

The council has stripped the land of PD rights

Don’t forget Building Regulations

More than likely, you will require Building Control, which secures the approval of things such as foundations, insulation, drainage and structural openings, even if your project does not need planning permission.

Extra smart step: Lawful Development Certificate

Some homeowners choose to submit a Lawful Development Certificate application for peace of mind, and also as it can be useful when selling in the future.

If you are unsure, get your builder or designer to check over the plans for you, and consult with relevant local council guidance before taking any further action.