Extensions and Loft Conversions
At a Glance...
- No Planning Permission is required.
- Extend the rear of your property by 6 or 8 metres.
- No council fees are payable for the application.
- Accepted on the basis that neither your neighbours object.
What is the Larger Home Extension Scheme
Since the 9th of May 2013, Planning permission has not been required for a single storey rear extension up to 6 metres for terraced and semi detached houses and 8 metres for detached houses. The legislation has been extended to May 2019 and allows homeowners to increase their living accommodation without the need to go through a full planning application process. However, homeowners cannot just go ahead and build such extensions and still require architectural plans of the proposed project for the council.
Limits and Conditions
The development must however comply with all other relevant limitations and conditions that apply to other rear extensions allowed under permitted development, for example:
- No more than half the area of land around the ''original house'' should be covered by additions or other buildings. ''Original house'' means as it was originally built or as it stood on 1 July 1948.
- The maximum depth of the single storey rear extension is 6 metres for an attached house and 8 metres for a detached house. Measurements should be taken from the rear elevation of the house as originally built or as it stood on 1 July 1948.
- The maximum height* of the single storey rear extension is 4 metres.
- The maximum eaves height* should be 3 metres if the extension is within 2 metres of any boundary.
- Materials used in the construction of the extension should be similar in appearance to those used for the existing house.
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms are permitted.
- No chimneys, flues or soil and vent pipes or microwave antennae are permitted.
For detailed guidance of limitations and conditions, visit the planning portal.
What is the Process
1. Larger home extensions must go through the following process:
A written description of the proposal, which includes the length that the extension extends beyond the rear wall of the original house, the height at the eaves and the height at the highest point of the extension:
- A site location plan, showing at least two named roads;
- A block plan of the existing house and proposed extension, showing distances to boundaries.
- Scaled plans (at 1:50 or 1:100) including existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, indicating the position of any doors or windows and a roof plan.
- Addresses of any adjoining properties, including at the rear.
2. A homeowner wishing to build a larger single storey rear extension must notify the local planning authority (council) and provide;
- An application form and checklist (no fee is required).
- The local planning authority may ask for further information if required, to make a decision on the application.
3. The council will notify the adjoining owners or occupiers of the development and will set out when the application was received and when the 42 determination period ends. It will also outline the timeline for neighbours to set out their objections.
4. If any adjoining neighbour raises an objection within the defined period, the council will take into account the objections outlined.
5.The development may go ahead if no objections are received from adjoining neighbours within the 21 day period and the development complies with all relevant criteria. If objections have been submitted , the council will consider whether the effect on the amenity of the adjoining properties is acceptable.
6. The council may refuse the application if the proposal does not comply with the limitations and conditions that apply under permitted development or if you have supplied insufficient evidence for for the council to establish if the proposal complies with the stated limitations and conditions.
7. The council must notify the developer of its decision within the 42 day determination period.
8. The council may grant planning permission unconditionally or with conditions relating to the impact of the proposed extension on the proposed extension on the amenity of any adjoining premises.
9. If approval is refused, the householder may appeal.
Exemptions
- This scheme does not apply to dwellings in conservation areas, flats or maisonettes.
- The history of your property should be checked to determine whether your permitted development rights have been removed by your local council. If they have this guidance will not apply to you.
