We won’t lie to you, there are quite a few rules when it comes to building an extension. But this doesn’t have to put you off. Like any game, once you know the rules, you’re more likely to score. Winning you that extension you’ve been dreaming of.
First of all, we’ll be talking about the rules that come with permitted development rights. This is the easiest way to add an extension on your home, as you won’t require planning permission.
When talking about the ‘original house’ in this context, it means the house as it was first built, or as it stood on 1st July 1948, if you reside in an older period property.
Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start from the ground up. Here are a few areas that you need to consider...
Rules for Single Storey Extension
No more than half the area of land around the original house can be covered by extensions or other builds. This includes sheds and other outbuildings.
No extension can be forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway. Meaning, if your extension is building out towards a main road, you may require planning permission.
Materials must be in-keeping with your property’s current appearance, unless you’re building a conservatory.
If your property is on designated land, you won’t be allowed cladding on the exterior.
Single storey rear extensions cannot go beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres if an attached house, or by four metres if detached. If you want a bigger extension, you can think about the neighbour consultation scheme.
Single storey rear extensions cannot exceed a height of four metres.
