Contents

  1. Extensions to houses
  2. Flexible use of non-residential buildings
  3. Office to residential conversion

Some home extensions can be built without the need for a full planning application through "permitted development rights".

To build larger, single-storey extensions under permitted development rights, you may need to follow the “notification and prior approval” process.

Find out if you need to apply for planning permission or approval

Read this guidance on the Planning Portal: 

Permitted development rights do not apply to flats or listed buildings, and there are restrictions in conservation areas. You should also check our Article 4 Directions page to find out about any restrictions we have placed on development.

Prior approval process for larger single-storey extensions

You need to follow this process if you plan to build a single-storey rear extension that extends beyond the rear wall of the original house by:

  • over four and up to eight metres for detached houses
  • over three and up to six metres for all other houses

You need to apply to us as described below. We will then notify the owners and occupiers of any adjoining properties. If an adjoining owner or occupier objects, our prior approval is required. We will assess the impact of the development on any adjoining property, taking into account any comments (“representations”) received.

Work must not start on the development until one of the following has happened:

  • we have written to you stating that prior approval is not required
  • we have written to you giving our approval
  • 42 days have passed since the date we received your application and we have not notified you of our decision

The development must be carried out in accordance with the details approved (where prior approval is required), or in accordance with the details provided with the notification (unless we have agreed otherwise).

These larger extensions are still required to accord with all other relevant limitations and conditions, as set out in Class A, Part 1 Schedule 2 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. We can refuse an application where, in our opinion, the development does not comply with the conditions, limitations and restrictions of Class A.

How to apply

Make your application online at the Planning Portal. The Planning Portal will provide guidance on application type and take the necessary fee on our behalf.

You will need to provide the following information:

  1. Developer’s contact details:
    • name
    • contact address (house number, street name, town, county, post code)
    • contact phone number
    • email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically
  2. Written description of the proposed development, including:
    • how far the enlarged part of the dwelling house extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling house;
    • the maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwelling house (measured externally above natural ground level); and
    • the height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwelling house. (Eaves height is measured from the natural ground level at the base of the outside wall to the point where the wall would meet the upper surface of the roof (where a sloping roof is proposed), or where the wall would meet the upper surface of the flat roof (where a flat roof is proposed)

  3. Details of the site:

    • a plan which identifies the land to which the application relates
    • a plan indicating the proposed extension

    It is important to note that if an objection is received, then we are required to consider the impact of the development on the amenity of all adjoining premises. If we consider the information submitted is insufficient to assess this impact, we may ask for more information, or we may refuse prior approval on the basis that the information submitted fails to demonstrate that the impact would be acceptable.

    To reduce the likeliness of the latter, it is recommended you submit the following information at this initial notification stage:

    • existing and proposed block plan of the site (e.g. at a scale of 1:200 – 1:500)
    • existing and proposed elevations (e.g. at a scale of 1:100 or 1:50)
    • existing and proposed floor plans (e.g. at a scale of 1:100 or 1:50)
    • existing and proposed site sections and finished floor and site levels (e.g. at a scale of 1:100)
  4. The full postal address of any adjoining premises (those to side and at rear), including house/flat number and/or name (if appropriate), street name and full post code.

Fee

There is a fee of £120 in connection with this process.

Neighbour consultation

We will serve a notice on adjoining owners or occupiers, i.e. those who share a boundary, including to the rear. This will give the address of the proposed development and describe it, including the information above. It will also set out:

  • when the application was received, and when the 42-day determination period ends
  • how long neighbours have to make objections (which must be a minimum of 21 days), and the date by which these must be received. A copy of this notice must also be sent to the developer.
  • If any adjoining neighbour raises an objection within the 21-day period, we will take this into account and make a decision about whether the impact on the amenity of all adjoining properties is acceptable.

No other issues will be considered.

Decisions

The development can go ahead if there were no objections.

If we don't notify the developer of our decision within the 42-day determination period, the development can go ahead.

If approval is refused, the developer may appeal.