What’s Possible Under Permitted Development for Rear, Side, and Loft Extensions?
As a homeowner looking to extend your property, one of the first things you’ll likely want to know is whether you need full planning permission or if your project qualifies under permitted development (PD). Permitted development allows certain types of extensions and changes to be made without the need for a full planning application, saving you time, money, and hassle.
But what exactly can you do with a rear, side, or loft extension under permitted development? Here’s a breakdown of what’s possible and what to keep in mind if you’re considering one of these extensions for your home.
1. Rear Extensions Under Permitted Development
A rear extension is one of the most common types of extensions homeowners consider, and it’s also one of the easiest to navigate under permitted development. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Possible?
Size Limitations: For a rear extension to fall under permitted development, it generally must not exceed 3 meters in depth for terraced or semi-detached houses or 4 meters for detached homes.
Height Restrictions: The maximum height of the extension can be 4 meters, but this depends on the size and location of the extension.
Roof Pitch: A flat roof extension is often a popular option, but if you want a pitched roof, the design must be modest in size to meet PD rules.
Location: It must not be built beyond the original rear wall of your house, and it should respect the overall character of your home.
What You Can’t Do:
Extend beyond the side of your house or exceed the height restrictions mentioned above.
If your property is in a Conservation Area or National Park, different rules may apply, and it’s important to check first.
2. Side Extensions Under Permitted Development
Side extensions are slightly more complicated than rear extensions but still possible under permitted development—provided they meet specific criteria.
What’s Possible?
Size Limitations: A side extension must not extend forward of the front elevation of the house. If it’s a single-storey side extension, it can’t be more than half the width of the original house.
Height Restrictions: The height must not exceed 4 meters for a single-storey side extension.
Boundary Restrictions: If your property shares a boundary with a neighbor, the side extension must not come closer than 1 meter from the boundary to avoid overshadowing or blocking light.
What You Can’t Do:
If your side extension is more than a single storey, it will likely require full planning permission.
No extensions can be made to the side if your property is in a Conservation Area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
3. Loft Extensions Under Permitted Development
A loft conversion is a great way to add space to your home without extending outward. In many cases, a loft extension can be done under permitted development rules, but there are still some key things to keep in mind.
What’s Possible?
Volume Allowance: The total volume of the loft conversion can’t exceed 40 cubic meters for a terraced house or 50 cubic meters for a semi-detached or detached house.
Roof Height and Pitch: You can raise the roof to increase headroom or add dormer windows.
Dormer Windows: Rear dormer windows are typically allowed under PD, but they must be kept within the height restrictions and not create privacy issues for your neighbors.
Side and Front Elevations: Dormer windows or extensions on the side or front of the roof generally won’t be allowed under PD. Any work on these parts of the building would likely require full planning permission.
What You Can’t Do:
No loft conversion is allowed if your property is in a Conservation Area or subject to specific local restrictions.
If you’re considering adding a large dormer, you may exceed the PD limits and need to apply for planning permission.
4. Important Things to Keep in Mind for All Extensions
While permitted development offers many opportunities, there are still some important rules and considerations to keep in mind:
Neighbour Consultation: You won’t always need your neighbor’s permission, but it’s good practice to keep them informed and try to address any concerns early.
Building Regulations: Even if your extension falls under permitted development, it will still need to comply with building regulations. This includes structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, and drainage.
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: As mentioned, any property in a Conservation Area or Listed Building may face stricter rules, and in some cases, you may not be able to extend at all under permitted development.
5. Plan It UK Can Help You Navigate Permitted Development
At Plan It UK, we understand that the rules around permitted development can be a bit tricky to navigate. Whether you’re considering a rear, side, or loft extension, we’ll help you understand what’s possible within the boundaries of the law, ensuring you get the most out of your space without the stress.
We can help you assess whether your project qualifies under permitted development, design an extension that fits your needs and complies with regulations, and guide you through the planning and building process.
Contact us or book in your free consultation to get a quote for your project.
