Permitted Development

When planning a loft conversion, kitchen extension or other type of home renovation project, navigating the complexities of planning permission can feel confusing. Fortunately, many projects fall under Permitted Development rights, allowing homeowners to make significant changes to their properties without needing formal planning permission. 

At Simply Architects, we specialise in creating architectural plans for your project that maximise your renovation potential while staying within the Permitted Development guidelines where possible. If your renovation requires planning permission, we can also support you through this process and deal with all the necessary paperwork and surveys. 

What is Permitted Development?

Permitted Development refers to a set of rights granted by the government that allow homeowners to make certain alterations and extensions to their properties without the need for planning permission. These rights are designed to simplify the renovation process for straightforward projects.

However, Permitted Development rights are subject to specific conditions and limitations, including the size and scale of the extension or alteration, the property’s location (e.g., conservation areas or listed buildings may have restrictions) and the type of property (flats and maisonettes generally don’t qualify). Understanding the details of these rules is essential to ensuring your home renovation project remains within the boundaries of Permitted Development.

Examples of Projects That Fall Under Permitted Development

Here are some common renovations that may be completed under Permitted Development:

1. Single-storey extensions (such as kitchen extensions)

• These extensions may extend the rear of your property by up to 3 metres for semi-detached and terraced houses and 4 metres for detached houses.
• The total extension must not exceed 50% of the land around the original house.

2. Loft Conversions

• Your loft conversion may add up to 40 cubic metres of additional roof space for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
• The addition of dormer windows is allowed, but these must not extend beyond the roof slope at the front of the property.

3. Porches

• You can add a porch to the front of your home as long as it does not exceed 3 square metres in area or 3 metres in height.

4. Outbuildings

• You can construct sheds, garages, or garden offices, provided they are single-storey, have a maximum height of 2.5 metres at the eaves, and are not used as a separate living space (such as a granny annexe).

5. Internal Alterations

• You can make internal changes, such as removing walls or creating open-plan layouts, without needing planning permission, as long as the work doesn’t affect structural or party walls.

Restrictions

While Permitted Development rights provide flexibility, there are restrictions to keep in mind:

• Conservation Areas: Properties in conservation areas may have stricter controls to protect the area’s character, flora and fauna.
• Listed Buildings: Any changes to listed buildings require listed building consent, even if they fall under Permitted Development for other properties. Our architects can support you in navigating these requirements.
• Previous Extensions: If your property has already been extended, it may limit the scope of further work under Permitted Development.
• Article 4 Directions: Local councils can remove Permitted Development rights in specific areas.

Do I Need To Submit Plans?

Even if you think that your project falls under permitted development, our advice is to always submit an application to your council so they can issue the certificate of lawfulness.  Many people get confused and think that because their project falls under Permitted Development, they do not need to send any drawings to the council. Our recommendation is to always apply so that you have legal evidence that your project is within Permitted Development rights, should you need to prove it. 

How We Can Help

Designing and planning your home renovation is exciting, but it can also be complicated and stressful. We can provide you with expert guidance in all areas of the design of your project, including confirming whether your project qualifies under Permitted Development or requires planning permission and the associated applications and paperwork required. 

Our architects specialise in designing plans for loft conversions and kitchen extensions that maximise your space while staying within the limits of Permitted Development.

If you’re considering a home renovation and want to explore your options under Permitted Development, contact one of our friendly team members at Simply Architects today. We’re here to help you transform your home while ensuring you adhere to the guidelines every step of the way. Call us on 0800 917 0335 for a free, no-obligation discussion.