Permitted Development Goes Permanent

RRA Architects > Permitted Development Goes Permanent

June 27, 2019 / By admin

Permitted Development Goes Permanent

Originally destined to be withdrawn on 30th May 2019 the Permitted Development legislation has, instead, been made permanent.

What does this mean for homeowners?
In brief the rules are designed to allow greater flexibilty for homeowners wishing to extend their home.

So can I build whatever I like?
No
Whilst more relaxed than the original route of gaining planning permission, Permitted Development is not a free-for-all. Plans should still be submitted to the Local Authority to obtain a Lawful Development Certificate, but the regulations are less strict than for full planning permissions. Although, technically you do not always have to have a Lawful Development Certificate, it is recommended so you do have a piece of paper that proves the development is legal – and you never know the rights might change again.
There are various rules which apply to both the nature of the extension, the type of property you are extending, the area in which the property is and the immediate neighbours rights.

What is allowed?
Providing none of the exemptions apply, a summary of the rules for extensions or loft conversions is given below. However, as stated the rules are not clear cut and we would always recommend getting professional planning advice.
In addition, designated sites such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), conservation areas or listed buildings incur further regulatory constraints to the summary listed below.

Single Storey Extensions
No more than 50% of the land surrounding the original property can be used. (The original footprint calculation must include outbuildings, sheds and garages). Only the original property counts, as it stood in 1948 or whenever it was first built. Any extensions or outbuildings added since then do not count as the ‘original property’.
A rear extension must not protrude either side of the building or to the front.
No extensions are permitted forwards of the principle elevation (ie. the front of the house) or any side elevation which fronts onto the highway.
A single storey ridge height must be lower than 3 metres if at the side of a house or 4 metres at the rear of a house, providing it is not taller than the original property
The length of the extension allowed has been increased, however, the rules for this are complicated and the maximum allowed varies according to house type, location and neighbourhood consultation.

Two Storey Extensions
No more than 50% of the land surrounding the original property can be used. (The original footprint calculation must include outbuildings, sheds and garages).
The extension cannot extend closer than 7 metres of the back boundary nor further than 3 metres beyond the property.
The ridge height cannot be higher than the original property.
If the extension is within 2 metres of the boundary the ridge height cannot exceed 3 metres.
Overlooking issue dictate that windows on side elevations must feature obscured glazing. These cannot be opening windows unless higher than 1.7 metres from the room flooring.
The materials used must be in keeping with the original building.
The roof pitch which should match that of the original building.
No balconies or verandas are permitted.

Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are restricted to a maximum of 40 cubic metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 50 cubic metres on a detached one.
The loft conversion cannot extend beyond the house wall and should be set back from the eaves.
The ridge height cannot be higher than the original property.
The materials used must be in keeping with the original building.
No balconies or verandas are permitted.
Overlooking issue dictate that windows on side elevations must feature obscured glazing. These cannot be opening windows unless higher than 1.7 metres from the room flooring.
The usual ecology checks are still required to establish whether any protected species, such as bats, may be disturbed.

Additional regulations are in place for porches or outbuildings.

What do I do if I would like to build using Permitted Developments rights?
Whilst it is good news that the rights have been made permanent, there are still an extensive set of regulations and exceptions that need to be observed. If you would like advice on whether a potential project could fall under permitted development please contact us on info@rraarchitects.com
To read the rules and regulations yourself in depth visit permitted-development-rights-for-householders-technical-guidance
A series of official mini guides which can be downloaded from mini_guides

Newsletter

January & February 2024 Newsletter

December 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletter

October 2023 Newsletter

September 2023 Newsletter

August 2023 Newsletter

July 2023 Newsletter

June 2023 Newsletter

May 2023 Newsletter

April 2023 Newsletter

March 2023 Newsletter

February 2023 Newsletter

January 2023 Newsletter

December 2022 Newsletter

November 2022 Newsletter

October 2022 Newsletter

September 2022 Newsletter

August 2022 Newsletter

July 2022 Newsletter

June 2022 Newsletter

May 2022 Newsletter

April 2022 Newsletter

March 2022 Newsletter

February 2022 Newsletter

January 2022 Newsletter

December 2021 Newsletter

November 2021 Newsletter

October 2021 Newsletter

September 2021 Newsletter

August 2021 Newsletter

July 2021 Newsletter

June 2021 Newsletter

May 2021 Newsletter

April 2021 Newsletter

March 2021 Newsletter

February 2021 Newsletter

January 2021 Newsletter

December Newsletter 2020

November Newsletter 2020

October Newsletter 2020

September Newsletter 2020

August Newsletter 2020

July Newsletter 2020

June Newsletter 2020

May Newsletter 2020

April Newsletter 2020

March Newsletter 2020

February Newsletter 2020

January Newsletter 2020

December Newsletter 2019

November Newsletter 2019

October Newsletter 2019

September Newsletter 2019

August Newsletter 2019

July Newsletter 2019

June Newsletter 2019

May Newsletter 2019

April Newsletter 2019

March Newsletter 2019

February Newsletter 2019

January Newsletter 2019

December Newsletter 2018

November Newsletter 2018

October Newsletter 2018

September Newsletter 2018

Search articles

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors