- You can only cover half the area of land that is around the original house with an extension or any other type of build.

- The extension cannot be forward of the side elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.

- The materials used must be in line with the property’s current look, the obvious exception is a conservatory.

- If you have a property on, what is known as, designated land then you won’t be allowed exterior cladding.

- For a single-storey rear extension, you cannot go beyond the back wall of the original property by more than four metres.

- The extension cannot exceed four metres in height.

- If your house is more than one storey, then if you extend, you cannot go past the back wall of the house by over three metres.

- The maximum height of the extension’s eaves needs to be three metres if you are within two metres of the boundary.

- The ridge and eaves height cannot be taller than the existing property.

- The extension needs to be a minimum of seven metres away from the rear boundaries.

- The roof pitch needs to match or be as close to the existing property as possible.

- You need planning permission for any raised platforms, verandas, or balconies.

- The upper-floor windows in the roof slope or wall on the side elevation need to be obscure-glazed and can’t be opened.

- On any designated land, a two-storey extension is not covered by permitted development rights.

- The exterior of the extension must use similar-looking materials to those of the property.

These are what are known as permitted development allowances. They only apply to houses. Flats, other buildings and maisonettes are not included. It is important to check with a Local Planning Authority to see if the permitted development rights will apply to your extension. This is to make sure that there are no other constraints to think about.

You may be wondering how far you can extend without planning permission, and this will vary depending on the type of house you own. Permitted development changes came into place in 2020 as a result of the ongoing pandemic and many homeowners needing additional space to go about their daily routine. This would also boost the UK economy, by giving work to contractors and service companies throughout an otherwise challenging period of time.

The changes implemented the larger home extension scheme, otherwise known as prior approval. This is a 28 day application to determine, via your neighbours non-objection, how far can you extend without planning permission. For example, for a terrace or semi-detached home, you can extend up to 6m as opposed to the original 3m, and for a detached property you can extend up to 8m as opposed to the original 4m.

With this in mind, however, you must be careful as many factors contribute to your extension falling under PD, such as the height, ground level, raised platforms, the original, as-built property footprint and boundary wall placement. If you are unsure or need help understanding how far you can extend without planning permission, contact Joyce Builders today.

Yes we can!

If you are planning an extension, and need plans drawing up, or if you have approved plans and need someone to build your extension to a high specification from start to finish, get in touch with us.

You might be designing your dream house, but as responsible residential architects, we keep the bigger picture in mind. If you’re going to be investing a large amount of money into your property, you also need to make aesthetic, structural and procedural decisions that sustain the value of your home, when you come to sell.

In other words, we ensure that you are getting the most for your money, ensuring that your investment will add value.