Building under permitted development rights
Permitted development lets you carry out certain extensions, loft conversions and alterations without applying for full planning permission. The rules are detailed, though, and it is easy to go a few centimetres over a limit without realising. We check your property against the regulations, design within them, and tell you plainly if something needs a full application instead.
- Checks against current permitted development rules
- Rear, side and loft extension designs
- Lawful Development Certificate applications
- Prior approval for larger rear extensions
- Checks for Article 4 areas and conservation areas
- Drawings ready for building regulations
Even when a project is permitted development, we usually recommend applying for a Lawful Development Certificate. It is formal confirmation from the council that the work is lawful, and solicitors often ask for it when you come to sell. Some properties have had their permitted development rights removed, flats and maisonettes don’t have them at all, and some areas are covered by Article 4 directions. We check all of that before you start.
Check your rights
We look at the planning history and any restrictions that apply to your property.
Design within the limits
We draw a scheme that makes the most of what permitted development allows.
Certificate or prior approval
We apply for a Lawful Development Certificate or prior approval where needed.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people usually ask before building under permitted development.
For a single-storey rear extension it is generally up to 3 metres on an attached house and 4 metres on a detached house. Under the prior approval scheme those limits can go up to 6 and 8 metres. There are rules on height, materials and boundaries too, so we check each project individually.
No, but it is strongly recommended. It gives you certainty before you build and saves problems later when you sell or remortgage.
The rights are much more limited in conservation areas and on listed buildings. In many cases a planning application will be needed, and we will tell you which applies.
Yes. Permitted development only covers planning. Building regulations are separate and still apply to extensions and loft conversions.