Planning permission changes: home extensions to be allowed without full planning application
Permitted development rights, which allow homeowners and others to carry out certain building works on a property without the need for planning permission from the council or approval from neighbours, were originally brought in as a temporary measure in 2013.
More than 110,000 extensions have been completed in England since 2014, according to the Government, and now the rules have been made permanent.
Housing minister Kit Malthouse MP said the new permissions will “help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape”.
“By making this permitted development right permanent, it will mean families can grow without being forced to move,” he said.
Planning permission for extensions
The new rules allow homeowners in semi-detached and terraced houses to add a single-storey rear extension to their property of up to six metres. For those in detached houses, the limit is eight metres.
Any planned extension that is taller than this or that exceeds one storey will still need to go through the planning process.
Other types of extension — for example side returns or basements — may also require full planning permission.
Extensions cannot cover more than half the area of land around the original house or be higher than it and the materials used should be similar in appearance to the existing house.
Do I need planning permission?
The basis for permitted development rights is to allow people to extend their homes outwards without the need for a full planning application, though homeowners are reminded to consider the impact their plans may have on their neighbours.
The rules cannot be applied to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
Certain types of home alteration are already allowed under permitted development, such as loft conversions where the added roof space created is under 40 cubic metres for a terrace house, and 50 cubic metres for a detached and semi-detached house.
If you live in a conservation, you may still need to get planning permission or listed buildings consent before going ahead with your extension. Check the rules on the Government's planning portal or with the planning department of your local authority.
How long does planning permission last?
If people want to make changes to their home that are not covered by permitted development rights and need planning permission, they will need to apply to the local planning authority.
If permission is granted, it will generally allow people a period of three years to start the works.
If this does not happen, a planning application will likely need to be made again.
What other changes have been made?
Business owners on the high street will also feel the positive effects of the Government’s changes.
Wider reforms being introduced alongside the permitted development rights include the ability to transform shops into office spaces without the need for a full planning application.