Planning consultants in London. Applications and appeals, from the team that also builds the work.
The first obstacle many homeowners bump into is Planning Permission. This comes before starting an extension or renovation project in London.
Obtaining Planning permission seems like a challenging task. However, it isn’t always required. This is where Permitted Development Rights come into the picture. It sits between needing no permission at all and needing a full planning application.
So what are Permitted Development Rights? What do they mean for a London homeowner?
Permitted Development Rights
Permitted Development Rights give the green light to home improvement or extension projects. They remove the need to apply for planning permission. Most houses have Permitted Development Rights. Flats and maisonettes do not.
In most cases, Permitted Development Rights grant automatic planning permission for these alterations:
Small extensions that fit within certain dimensions
Single storey rear extensions within the depth limits. That is 4m for a detached house and 3m for any other house. The larger home extension route can take a detached house to 8m. It can take any other house to 6m. It needs prior approval from the council first
Minor demolition projects
Loft conversions
Garage conversions
The building of a porch less than 3m²
Internal alterations
The installation of solar panels
The installation of satellite dishes
The installation of roof lights or dormer windows (when not facing a highway)
The laying of a new drive made from porous materials. Non-porous materials with sufficient drainage also qualify.
Note: You should always liaise and get confirmation from your local planning authority!
When permitted development does not apply
Projects containing a larger extension or major renovation will need full Planning Permission.
In some London locations, buildings are covered by an Article 4 restriction. It controls works that could threaten the character of an area, e.g. conservation area. For these listings, full Planning Permission would be required.
Balconies, verandas and platforms over 30cm also require Planning Permission.
Why permitted development helps
The simple answer: time. Extension and renovation projects covered by Permitted Development Rights can be started earlier. You don’t have to wait for Planning Permission to be accepted.
You also save on application fees!
How to check whether your project qualifies
Local planning authorities can answer all your questions. They can also give further advice and direction for your project.
If Permitted Development Rights apply, you need not submit anything to local authorities. Note: For this, be 100% sure that you don’t need a Planning Application.
Takeaways
- Permitted Development Rights are an automatic right to extend and renovate some properties. They allow works to be carried out without any planning application being made.
- Most houses qualify. Flats and maisonettes do not
- Your project has to meet certain criteria to fall under Permitted Development Rights
- Local authorities can inform you about your rights
- Projects under Permitted Development Rights can save you time and money
We handle the planning route. It is part of the same contract as the design and the build. Tell us what you are planning. We will say early which route your project takes.
This is the work we do. Planning consultants in London, or ask for a cost estimate.
Published 14 April 2022. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.