If you live in the UK, Permitted Development Rights allow you to carry out certain types of building work without planning permission. In this post, we’ll dive into what you can build without planning permission, how big your build can be, and some key things to bear in mind when undertaking a residential architecture project without formal approval.
If you’re a UK property owner or developer, Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allow you to carry out certain types of building work without needing full planning permission. These rights are granted by the government and cover a range of property improvements, extensions, and changes.
It’s important to be aware that several factors can affect these rights, including location restrictions (i.e. if your property’s in a Conservation Area or National Park/Heritage Site) and
the type of property you have. Flats, maisonettes, and commercial buildings, for example, have different PDR compared to houses. And if your property is a listed building, you’ll have a lot less flexibility in terms of the changes you can make.
Need specific information? Check out the UK Government’s official technical guidance.
How big you can build without planning permission depends on your project and property type. For most standard houses (excluding flats, maisonettes, listed buildings, and those in conservation areas), you can usually add a single-storey rear extension under Permitted Development Rights.
For attached houses, you can extend up to 3 metres from the original rear wall. Or, if your property’s detached, this increases to 4 metres.
Larger extensions:
If you require more space, you can extend up to 6 metres (attached) or 8 metres (detached) from the original rear wall. However, if you want to do this, you’ll need to notify your local council and arrange a neighbour consultation. Getting prior approval isn’t the same as obtaining planning permission, but it is necessary if you want to extend beyond the standard dimensions.
General rules:
If your property is located in a protected area or subject to other restrictions, different rules will apply.
Although building without planning permission can be tricky, some simple options may still be feasible, provided your property meets the criteria outlined in the government’s technical guidance document. This includes:
You can add a garage, conservatory, or porch under Permitted Development Rights, as long as you follow the rules for height, size, and placement. For example, porches must not exceed 3m² in floor area, 3 metres in height, and must be at least 2 metres from any highway.
Most of the time, window and door replacements can be done without planning permission, provided the appearance of the building isn’t significantly altered, and your property isn’t listed or in a protected area. Additional rules can apply for new windows in side elevations or on upper floors.
When it comes to conversions, many loft, garage, and basement conversions are allowed, as long as you stay within the volume limits and do not make major changes to the roof or external appearance. Loft conversions can include adding roof lights or dormer windows, but there are specific rules about their size and placement.
In terms of extensions, once again, the size restrictions mentioned above will apply for permitted developments.
If you’re planning an open-plan kitchen diner at the back of your house, it may be worthwhile getting prior approval for the larger extension allowance (up to 6m for attached or 8m for detached homes), as this extra space can make a significant difference in creating a comfortable, functional living area that provides enough room for a large dining table and kitchen island.
Although the promise of saving time and money can be appealing, permitted developments come with a few caveats.
Here are some things to take into account:
Party walls: If your building work affects a wall you share with your neighbour (like extending against it or digging near it), you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement. You have to tell your neighbours about the work, and you’ll need to work with an experienced party wall surveyor.
Building regulations: These are safety standards that cover things like how strong your walls need to be, proper insulation, fire safety, and electrical work. Even if you don’t need planning permission, you may still need to get building regulations approval.
Permission to build over drains or sewers: If there are any underground pipes or sewers running under or near where you want to build, you need permission from your water company before you start. This makes sure you don’t damage important drainage systems.
Making sure you don’t block your neighbour’s light: If your extension or building work will block light that has been coming into your neighbour’s windows for over 20 years, they might have a legal “right to light”. This could stop your project or mean you have to pay compensation.
The best way to ensure that your building project goes smoothly is to enlist the help of trusted experts. Our specialist team are highly knowledgeable when it comes to UK planning permission and permitted development requirements. Get in touch with us today to discuss any project queries you may have or to get an initial quote.
