8 Things You Can Do, No Planning Permission Required
If you’re planning on renovating, remodelling, or extending your home you may not have to go through a lengthy process for planning permission. Many home improvement projects can be done under permitted development rights.
What Are Permitted Development Rights?
They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings. You will however need to follow Building Regulations guidance for some aspects such as structural elements and electrical works.
Moving Doors & Windows You don’t require planning permission to replace or add new windows in the original walls of your house, you may need permission if conditions were attached to the original permission. Double glazing for example can be installed under PD, providing the building is not listed. For new or bigger windows or doors you will need to follow BR guidance. Also bear in mind that bay windows are classed as extensions.
Using Attached Buildings
If you wish to alter the internal space of a garage for example such as incorporating an integral garage you can do so under PD providing you are not increasing the overall footprint of the dwelling.
Single Storey Extensions
Do not require planning permission providing the extension maintains the following guidelines. The extension does not sit forward of the principal elevation, materials used should be similar. Where it is within 2m of any boundary, the eaves cannot be higher than 3m, and no more than 4m in height otherwise. With rear extensions they should be no more than 4m in depth for a detached house or 3m in depth for a semi or terrace. Side extension the width of the extensions must not be greater than half the width of the original dwelling.
Loft Conversions Loft conversions provide a great opportunity to create additional space and may not require planning permission. PD allows for the construction of dormer windows, which would provide additional headroom within a converted attic. The windows must not sit higher than the highest part of your original existing roof however.
Two Storey Extensions A two storey extension can only be built under PD if it is at the rear of the property. In addition, your two storey extension must not exceed 3m in depth or be within 7m of the rear boundary.
Conservatories Conservatories fall under the same restrictions as single storey extensions as they often tend to be fairly modest in size, they can be built without the need for planning.
Sheds & Outbuildings Where you have a larger plot, there may be opportunities to build multiple outbuildings under PD, providing the total area covered by such buildings/enclosures does not exceed 50% of the total area of the curtilage. This 50% should take into account any extensions, but not the area covered by the main house.
Basements
If your property does not provide you with sufficient opportunities to develop extensions to your home above ground, have you ever considered building a basement. This would provide you with extra internal space, without reducing the size of your garden. It was recently decided that basements could be PD under Class A of the General Permitted Development Order. However, PD does not allow for engineering works.
While this blog provides a summary of what you may be able to do under Permitted Development, you should always check with the Local Planning Authority to ensure you do not require planning permission, to avoid further expense and problems further down the line.
