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PlanningJanuary 10, 2024•6 min read
Planning Permission vs. Permitted Development: What You Need to Know
You might be able to build more than you think without full planning permission. We explain the rules of Permitted Development.
Did you know you can often extend the rear of your house by up to 6 metres (or 8 metres for detached homes) without full planning permission? This is thanks to Permitted Development (PD) rights.
What is Permitted Development?
PD rights are a grant of planning permission by the government. They allow for certain types of work without the need to apply for planning permission. However, specific limits and conditions apply.
Key Limitations
- Height: Single-storey extensions must not exceed 4m in height.
- Materials: Must be similar in appearance to the existing house.
- Coverage: Extensions (plus other buildings) cannot cover more than 50% of the land around the original house.
Lawful Development Certificate
Even if you don't need planning permission, we highly recommend getting a Lawful Development Certificate. This proves your build was legal—vital when you eventually come to sell the property.
Written by
Martin at Build Clarity