What Are Permitted Development Rights?
As a homeowner, there are certain types of work that you can carry out on your house without the need for planning permission. These are known as ‘permitted development rights’.
Any building work carried out within permitted development will have to meet certain criteria and standards that limit the size of extensions and loft conversions.
Fortunately, these limits are quite broad so there is quite a lot you can do to enhance your home without the need to go through the planning permission process.
Development Rights in Devolved Nations
Development is not governed by your local authorities, instead, it is Parliament that decides these rights, and different rules apply in each of the devolved nations (Scotland, Northern England, Wales and England) – you can check what permitted development rules apply in London by clicking on the following link – Development rights in England.
Taking advantage of your home’s permitted development rights means you don’t have to go through the hassle of applying for planning permission to make small changes that can make a big difference.
What Work Can Be Done Under Permitted Development Rules?
As previously mentioned, limits apply that will restrict the size of an extension and its external appearance. This is to ensure that any work carried out within permitted development is in keeping with the local streetscape. Limits will also be in consideration of your immediate neighbours, ensuring that your new extension or conversion does not have a negative impact on them, for example, blocking light.
Below, you will find a full list of permitted development rules for extensions that apply to London:
Rear Extensions in London
This applies to any extension across the rear elevation of your property.
Maximum depth: For semi-detached, terraced and link-detached houses, single-storey rear extensions can be built to a depth up to 3 metres, and by 4 metres for a detached house, based on the original plans of the building, or as it stood on 1 July 1948, if older.
It is possible to apply for prior approval for rear extensions up to 6 metres for semi-detached, terraced and link-detached houses or by up to 8 metres for a detached house. This will need to be done before any work starts. Your local authority will consult with your neighbours and decide whether prior approval is required before work can go ahead.
Maximum height: No more than 4 metres. Any part of the roof within 2 metres of your neighbours’ boundaries must be a maximum height of 3 metres.
Maximum area: Rear extensions must not protrude further than the side of the house, and you must not cover more than half of the land around the original dwelling (including sheds and outbuildings). The extension also must not come within 7 metres of the rear property boundary.
Appearance: Materials used must be similar in appearance to the original house.
Two Storey Extensions in London
If you are looking to increase the space in your bedrooms, you will be pleased to hear that a two-storey extension is achievable under permitted development.
Where can you build?
Two-storey extensions can only be built off your property’s rear elevation. Side and front elevations are not allowed.
Maximum depth: You can extend up to a maximum of 3 metres from rear elevation on semi-detached, terrace or link-detached houses, and up to 4 metres for a detached house.
Maximum height: The height of the roof ridge and eaves must not exceed the height of the ridge and eaves on the original house. Any part of the roof falling within 2 metres of your neighbours’ boundaries must not exceed a height of 3 metres.
Maximum area: The extension (including any existing extensions and outbuildings) must not go beyond more than 50% of the total land around the house.
Appearance: The pitch of the roof and tiles should be the same style as the existing roof, and any other external materials should match. The pitch of the new roof should also match the existing house. Obscured glass should be used on second-story windows, and their opening parts must be at least 1.7 metres above the floor.
Side Extensions in London
You can create extra downstairs living space in your home with a side extension. However, two-storey side extensions don’t fall under permitted development rules. The information below shows what is achievable without going through planning permission:
Maximum width: Side extensions cannot exceed half the width of the original house.
Maximum depth: For a semi-detached, terraced or link-detached house, the side extension can extend out further than the rear of the house, projecting by up to 3 metres, or 4 metres for a detached house, based on the original plans of the building, or as it stood on 1st July 1948, if older.
Maximum height: The highest point of the roof must not exceed 4 metres. Any part of the roof falling within 2 metres of your neighbours’ boundaries can only be a maximum height of 3 metres.
Property boundary: There’s no restriction to distinguish how close you can go to the boundary with your neighbours. That said, it is always recommended you talk to any neighbours about your intentions first.
Wrap-around: Permitted development rights don’t allow you to build a full-width wrap-around; however, a partial wrap-around is permitted, providing the total width of the extension at its widest point does not surpass half the width of the original building.
Appearance: Materials used must be similar in appearance to the original house.
Loft Conversions in London
The following regulations apply to all types of loft conversions.
Street view: Under permitted development, dormers can’t be built on the front elevation of the house. The only change that can be made at the front can be roof lights (Velux-style windows), which may project up to 15cm from the roof surface.
Maximum height: Loft conversions must be no higher than the highest point of the current roof.
Maximum volume: The total increase in roof volume must not exceed 40 cubic metres for a terrace or 50 cubic metres for a semi-detached or detached house. Dormers must be set back a minimum of 20cm from the eaves.
Access: There must be at least 2 metres head height clearance for the loft staircase.
Appearance: Any new windows on the side of the house must be frosted glass, and their opening parts must be at least 1.7 metres from the floor. It is not permitted to have balconies or verandas; however, Juliet balconies that have no platform are allowed. New roof tiles and windows must match existing ones.
How Do I Comply With Permitted Development Rules in London?
Unfortunately, using permitted development rights doesn’t eliminate the need for paperwork – you still need to demonstrate the extent of your build and provide plans to your local planning department. You’ll also need to obtain the following documents to sign off your building work:
- Building regulations certificate – applies to all buildings.
- Party wall agreements (if your property is not detached)
- Right to light report – From a surveyor if neighbours are concerned about light being blocked.
- Build Over Agreement – Get this from your local water authority if you’re building near a sewer.
If you seek more guidance and understanding on how to take advantage of permitted development in London, contact our experienced team at Salstan Architects and we can help you through the entire process.