Are you planning to extend your home and wondering if you can do so without going through the full planning permission process? Permitted development extensions could be the solution, as they allow many house extensions in the UK to be built without formal planning permission, provided certain rules and limits are met. In this guide, we’ll break down what permitted development extensions are, how they work, what’s allowed, and what you can’t do under these rights.
Permitted development extensions are improvements or additions you can make to your home under national planning rules without having to submit a full planning application to your local authority. For many homeowners, this makes the process faster, more affordable, and less bureaucratic. However, these rights come with specific restrictions and conditions that must be adhered to in order to remain lawful.
The government defines permitted development rights as “rights that allow householders to improve and extend their homes without the need to apply for planning permission where that would be out of proportion with the impact of works carried out.” They outline the specifics of the rules on permitted development for householders and provide technical guidance in this booklet.
While permitted development rights can be very useful, it’s important to understand the rules that apply so that your extension complies and can be classed as a lawful permitted development extension. Below we’ve outlined what you need to consider.
Extensions must not result in the total ground area covered by buildings exceeding 50% of your property’s curtilage, excluding the original main house.
The extension cannot be higher than the existing house’s roof ridge, and eaves must not exceed existing heights where close to a boundary.
You can typically build a single-storey rear extension up to 3 metres for semi-detached and terraced houses, and 4 metres for detached properties without submitting a planning application.
Under the neighbour consultation scheme, this can be extended further — up to 6 metres for non-detached homes and 8 metres for detached properties — subject to prior approval from the local authority.
Side extensions may be built under permitted development if they are single-storey, no higher than 4 metres, and do not exceed half the width of the original house.
In many cases, you don’t need planning permission for a loft conversion because it tends to fall under permitted development rights. However, this only applies if the roof volume does not exceed 40m³ for terraced houses or 50m³ for detached/semi-detached homes. It must also not go beyond the front roof slope facing the road, and the height must not exceed the highest part of the existing roof.
Permitted development rights do not apply or are more limited if your property is:
Extensions built under permitted development must use materials that are similar in appearance to the existing property to ensure visual consistency.
Even if an extension appears to fall within permitted development rules, you may still need permission or prior approval in certain cases.
This includes:
In these situations, you must contact your local planning authority before work begins.
Permitted development extensions do not remove the need for building regulations approval. All extensions must comply with current building regulations covering structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage, and ventilation. Building control inspections will still be required.
If you use a specialist extensions contractor, like EveryTrade, they will ensure all building regulations are met. Our team know exactly what needs to be done to get building regulations approval and ensure your extension is safe and built to the highest quality. We are home extension specialists operating throughout Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire, and we manage every aspect from initial planning and designing to building, fitting fixtures and the final finishing touches.
Permitted development extensions offer several advantages:
To avoid issues later, many homeowners choose to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development to confirm that their extension fully complies with permitted development rules. If you need help applying for this or want more information, EveryTrade can help.
Permitted development extensions are an excellent option for homeowners looking to increase space and improve their property without the delays and costs of full planning permission. By understanding the rules and limitations, you can extend your home confidently and legally.
If you need expert advice on permitted development extensions, design considerations, or building regulations compliance, EveryTrade can help guide you through the process from start to finish.
We’re home extension specialists, operating throughout Manchester, Stockport, Cheshire and the surrounding areas. We manage the whole process from concept to completion, so you only have to deal with one company instead of managing several contractors, providing a hassle-free service for you. Our team will work with you to design and build your dream home extension and ensure it complies with permitted development rights.
Get in touch with our team today to arrange your free estimate on 0161 464 7177, email info@tdgcontracts.com, WhatsApp us or fill in our online form.
