
If you are looking to extend your home, you’ve no doubt been thinking about planning permission. Namely whether or not you will need it, the rules you’ll need to follow and how much it will all cost.
Our in-house planning experts have produced this updated guide…
Whether or not you can extend your home without planning permission will depend on your permitted development rights. These rights, created by the government, allow homeowners to extend without a planning application as long as their project adheres to the following strict set of guidelines.
A side return extension, designed by Team Resi and constructed by Fittra Construction.
When combining a side and rear extension to form a ‘wraparound’, the permitted development restrictions will be judged against the criteria for both extensions individually, making it unlikely - but not impossible - for the project to fall under your permitted development rights.
Two storey extension do not apply to single storey homes
You will need to apply for planning permission if you exceed the permitted development project guidelines, or you live in a:
Those in conservation areas will not be excluded but do face much greater restrictions. Get in touch with our team to learn more.
Projects on flats, like this one, will require planning permission. Designed by Team Resi.
Some projects in your permitted development rights, though they don’t require a full planning application, do require ‘prior approval’. This is an application to your local authority which ensures you have kept to your permitted development guidelines.
Extension projects that require prior approval:
How does prior approval differ from a normal planning application?
Full planning applications are judged subjectively from council to council. What one authority allows, another may not. Prior approval removes this subjectivity from the process, which means as long as you have stuck to the guidelines you are guaranteed success.
Time required for application: on average, 8 weeks.
Fee to local authority: roughly £100 for a single extension onto an existing dwelling.
If your home or project does not fit within your permitted development rights, you must apply for regular planning permission. This gives you more scope for creativity and size, but does increase the possibility of rejection.
For a better chance of first time success, you can submit what is called a ‘pre-application’. This involves having an informal meeting with your planning officer to discuss the feasibility of your ideas, alongside any problems you might be faced with.
What you need to submit for a full planning application
Time required for application: on average, 8 weeks.
Fee to local authority: £206 in England, £190 in Wales, £202 in Scotland.
Reasons why planning permission is refused
Learn more about planning permission refusal here.
Need help with planning? Speak to a member of our team!
An experienced architect will be able to guide and advise on your planning options, making sure you take the right route for your project. They can also ensure that your designs are technically correct, fitting within the guidelines of your local authority.
At Resi, we act as your planning agent, managing your application on your behalf. This not only eliminates the risk of errors in your application, but it also allows your architect to work one on one with your local authority.
Give our team a call to discuss planning options!.
Does your home and project fit within permitted development rights? If so, you might not need to apply for permission.
Your project may require prior approval from your local authority if you are adding an additional storey, or you are making use of the larger home extension scheme.
If you need to apply for permission it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. An experienced architect will be able to advise and fight your battles for you!
Which part of your property would you like to extend?