Do I Need Planning Permission for an Extension?
There are plenty of ways you can add value to your home, and one of the most popular ways to do it is by adding an extension to your property. But do you need planning permission for an extension? It’s a question a lot of people ask themselves and the red tape can put some off the idea altogether. There are, however, some things you can do that fall within the ‘permitted development’ category, meaning you don’t actually need planning permission.
While an extension is one of the more extreme measures you can take to add both value and usable space to your home, it’s worth doing if you’re serious about it. To help you understand whether or not you need planning permission for the extension you have in mind, and the different rules around such additions to a home, this month at Bosaco we’ll take you through some of the key things you need to know.
Factors that contribute to whether you need Planning Permission for an Extension
Let’s start by taking an overview of the basics. There are a number of things that will determine whether you need planning permission for your extension:
- Planning requirements local to your area
- The size of the extension (including height)
- The location of the extension
- Any conservation area restrictions
- How close an extension would be to neighbouring properties
It’s important to note that most areas will have their own planning permission restrictions, so it pays to do the research for your own area using the website of your local authority.
Permitted Development Rules
If your extension plans fall within the permitted development guidelines then you don’t need planning permission. It’s great news as it can save a lot of hassle, but you need to be sure of this before you begin any work.
You will need to let your local authority know your plans (you don’t need to pay anything) and this will give your neighbours a chance to comment, but it cannot be prevented if it doesn’t break the following rules:
- Your extension can only be a single storey (up to four metres in height)
- Your extension should not cover more than half the area of land around the original house (this calculation should take into account your shed and other outbuildings)
- Your extension should not be at the front (or principal elevation) of the property, nor for a side elevation that fronts a highway
- The materials for the exterior finish of your extension should be in keeping with the existing property (this condition is not required for a conservatory)
- The width of a side extension must not be greater than half the width of the original building
- Where the extension is within 2 metres of a boundary, your eaves height should be no more than 3 metres
- Your extension must not extend out beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for a detached property, or 3 metres for a terraced or semi-detached house
- The height of the extension and its eaves must not go higher than the original house (something to be considered for single storey properties)
Architects, Designers & Builders
Your architect, builder or designer should be able to assist you with establishing whether you need planning permission for you extension or not, since the items listed above are just some of the biggest things to note. However, it’s always a good idea to get your head around the permitted development rights yourself as it can save a lot of wasted time when you’re thinking about an extension.
Likewise, if your ideas for an extension go beyond the permitted development rights, then you’re going to need planning permission. Here is where a professional architect or construction company can help. This is because they will be better placed to adjust plans and work within the boundaries of planning permission rules. There could be further layers to the permissions you require based on any covenants within the title documents for your property, so it always helps to have an expert on your side.
As you can probably understand, planning permission rules change as time goes on, with different local authorities requiring different paperwork to others. For this reason, we urge you to contact a professional if you need clear guidance on planning permission for an extension.
Choose a Reliable Construction Company
If you’re looking for a trustworthy team of builders in Nottingham, look no further than Bosaco. We have years of experience in the various aspects of building services, from property refurbishments to house extensions and roofing. We’ve gained specialist industry knowledge to help you if you’re unsure about any aspect of home improvements including the rules and regulations surrounding your extension, and can help you with any planning permission requirements. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality of work we would want and expect for our own homes, which means you can count on us. Simply contact us today to talk about your design ideas and get a free quote for your extension.