Permitted development for home extensions
Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission that let certain home projects go ahead without a planning application - provided every relevant limit and condition is met. They are narrower than most homeowners expect.
Free to start. No obligation. No drawings needed.
What permitted development covers
Householder permitted development rights are set out in national legislation and explained in the government's technical guidance. They cover categories such as rear and side extensions, roof alterations, porches and outbuildings, each with its own detailed limits on size, height, position and materials.
Every limit and condition in the relevant class has to be satisfied. Meeting most of them is not enough - a single breach means a planning application is required.
When the rights do not apply
- Flats and maisonettes, which have no householder permitted development rights
- Listed buildings, where listed building consent is required for many works
- Areas covered by an Article 4 direction that has removed the relevant rights
- Where a planning condition on an earlier permission removed the rights
- Designated land, where several of the allowances are reduced or withdrawn
Why a lawful development certificate is useful
A lawful development certificate is the council's written confirmation that the work is lawful without planning permission. It is not compulsory, but it is formal evidence, and buyers, solicitors and lenders often ask for it when you sell.
Who this is for
- Homeowners hoping to avoid a full planning application
- People who want written confirmation that their project is lawful
- Anyone unsure whether their home is affected by an Article 4 direction or a restrictive condition
How we check the route
- You tell us about the property and the proposal.
- We review the available information and talk it through on a short call.
- If we can help, we set out the scope and fee in writing.
- Your designer assesses the proposal against the relevant permitted development class.
- Where appropriate, we prepare a lawful development certificate application.
Important things to be aware of
- Permitted development is a technical assessment of your specific property and proposal, not a rule of thumb.
- Previous extensions to the property can use up the available allowance, even if they were built by someone else.
- A property can look unrestricted and still be affected by an Article 4 direction or an old planning condition.
- Building regulations still apply to permitted development work.
Frequently asked questions
- Is permitted development the same as not needing any approval?
- No. It removes the need for planning permission in that specific case. Building regulations, party wall obligations and other legal requirements are unaffected.
- Does a previous owner's extension count against me?
- It can. Several permitted development allowances are measured against the original house as built, or as it stood on a fixed date, so earlier work reduces what is left.
- How do I know if there is an Article 4 direction on my street?
- Article 4 directions are made and published by the local council. Checking that, along with conservation area and listing records, is part of establishing the correct route.
Related pages
Official sources
Tell us about your project
Tell us about your property and what you would like to change. We review the enquiry and you can request a free 15–20 minute call to talk it through. We help homeowners in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.
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