Does my building project need planning permission?

Property owners are under an obligation to ensure that they have obtained the correct planning consent for the design of project that they have contracted to build.  Independent advice can be sought from an architect, the local authority planning officer or via the Government Planning Portal.  The current statutory guidance can be downloaded from our site below.  

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Permitted Development Rights

In many cases property owners have the right to complete single storey building projects without the need to submit planning permission applications. However, there are conditions and restrictions. A copy of the Government guidance on permitted development is uploaded to the site so you can carefully check your specific situation.

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Attached Properties:

1) Attached properties can build a single storey conservatory or extension which extends up to 3M from the rear wall of the property as it was originally built or as it was in 1948.  This is Permitted Development so NO planning permission is required.

2) Attached properties can build a single storey conservatory or extension which extends between 3M and 6M from the rear wall of the property as it was originally built or as it was in 1948. However, this larger build requires Neighbour Consultation which is done via an online application process which is subject to further restrictions. Mainly the build cannot exceed more than 50% of the original garden area. 

3) The span of the build across the rear of the house is not limited but additional rules apply if you are going around the corner or if you connect to the side wall of an existing outrigger.  Check the detailed guidance to be certain of the conditions appertaining to your build.

4) Conservatory or extensions built on the side wall are only up to maximum width of 50% of the width of the original property. Be aware that additional rules apply if there is a highway running parallel to your side wall.

5) A conservatory does not have to be built of matching materials to the existing house but an extension should be.

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Detached Houses

1) Detached properties can build a single storey conservatory or extension up to 4M projecting from the rear wall of the property as it was built or as it was in 1948. This is Permitted Development so no planning permission is required.

2) Detached properties can also build a single storey conservatory or extension that projects between 4M to 8M from the rear wall of the house as it was originally built or was in 1948.   If an extension has already been added on to the property then this projection is included in your permitted development rights.  However, this larger build between 4m-8m requires Neighbour Consultation which is done via an online application process. This is subject to further restrictions. but the main requirement is that the build cannot exceed more than 50% of the original garden area.  Providing these guidelines are complied with full planning consent is not required.

3) The span of the build across the rear of the house is not limited but additional rules apply if you are going around the corner or if you connect to the side wall of an existing outrigger.  Check the detailed guidance to be certain of the conditions appertaining to your build.

4) Conservatory or extensions built on the side wall are only permitted development up to a maximum width of 50% of the width of the original property. Be aware that additional rules apply if there is a highway running parallel to your side wall.

5) A conservatory does not have to be built of matching materials to the existing house, but an extension should be.

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Please note that if you are in a conservation area, SSI or even on a new development the permitted development rights may have been revoked and full planning permission may be required. Clients must make their own checks to ensure the consent is correctly obtained if required.