Extending your existing house is often preferable to moving.
An extension allows you to stay in a location you know and like, close to schools and all the other amenities you use. It can also be more cost-effective than moving, giving you the extra space you want without increasing your mortgage and financing stamp duty and moving costs.
However, homeowners cannot do anything they want with their property. If your proposed extension is modest in size, your project may come within permitted development, allowing you to proceed without needing consent. Otherwise, you may need to apply to your local planning authority for planning permission for a house extension.
Read on to find out more about the types of house extensions that need planning permission.
Planning permission is the approval required before new buildings can be constructed or existing buildings altered. Permission is granted by your local planning office, which will charge a fee for consideration of your plans.
It may seem like annoying red tape, but there are good reasons for your local council to check your proposed extension before you start to build.
Planning permission regulations allow the local council to ensure that your extension is not a significant change that could affect the character of your neighbourhood.
Perhaps more importantly, the planning permission process ensures that other residents’ rights are protected and that uncontrolled building developments do not compromise their quality of life and potentially the value of their property.
Small extensions do not need planning permission and are allowed within your permitted development rights.
Extensions that fall within the following parameters do generally not need planning permission.
Your local planning office will allow a single-storey rear extension of up to six metres from the rear wall of a semi-detached house and eight metres from the rear wall of a detached house.
You will need planning permission if your proposed extension does not comply with the above and in the following circumstances;
We have extensive experience building conservatories and applying for planning permission. For advice, you can contact our team here.
If you have close neighbours, you should consider the effect of your new extension on their quality of life.
Permitted development rules will allow you to build close to your property’s boundary, but height restrictions will apply if you do, so you should seek professional advice before proceeding.
If you live in a conservation area, one of the national parks or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you may need to apply for planning permission.
At the very least, your local council will want to ensure the building materials you use will complement your original house and the surrounding area. For example, they may require you to use local materials in its construction.
Your local planning authority should grant or deny your application for planning permission within eight weeks.
Unfortunately, many applications are delayed, and the process can take considerably longer. It is essential to factor this into your project plan.
Don’t be tempted to start your project until you have received full planning permission.
If you feel strongly that you have fulfilled all the requirements of planning restrictions, you could appeal the local authority’s decision.
Alternatively, you could engage with the local planning office to understand their requirements better and then reapply. Depending on local regulations, you may be able to resubmit your plans with no extra fee as long as they are received within 12 months of your original application.
If you build an extension without securing planning permission, you will be served with an enforcement notice, requiring you to demolish your extension. You may also face a hefty fine.
You can contact your local authority planning office or apply online using the planning portal here.
