Planning Permission for Your Dream Extension

Adding a conservatory or other extension to your home may or may not require planning permission. Permitted development rights allow for certain types of home improvements to be carried out without the need for planning approval.

Permitted Development Rights:

Many homeowners have certain “permitted development rights” that allow them to carry out specific building works without needing full planning permission. However, these rights have limitations and conditions.

Housing Development Restrictions: Some housing developments, regardless of being in a conservation area, have had their permitted development rights removed entirely by the original developers, requiring full planning permission for any extensions.

It’s essential to carefully assess your project against these factors to determine whether you need to apply for planning permission.

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Neighbour Consultation:

Important: Even if your project falls within permitted development rights, you may still need to notify your neighbours of your plans.

Right to Light: Your extension must not significantly impact your neighbour’s “right to light.” This legal concept can limit the size and placement of extensions that block sunlight.

Conservatory planning permission2

The size of your proposed structure is a primary factor.

Larger extensions are more likely to require permission. Whether you need planning permission for your conservatory, orangery, or extension depends on various factors, including:

Size Restrictions:
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Rear Extensions:

  • Detached houses: Up to 8 metres in depth.
  • Other houses: Up to 6 metres in depth.

Fronting a Highway:

  • Structures built fronting a highway often have very strict planning rules.
Tiled Roof Orangery Extension

Side Extensions:

  • Maximum width of half the original house.
  • Maximum height of 4 metres.
  • Maximum eaves height of 3 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary.
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Height Restrictions:

  • Maximum height of 4 metres to the eaves for most extensions.
  • Typically, flat roofs are limited to a certain height (e.g., 3 meters).
  • The highest part of the extension should not exceed the height of the existing roof.
Replacement Tiled Roof Conservatory in Worcester

Location Restrictions:

  • Extensions cannot extend beyond the front wall of the original house.
  • Stricter rules and restrictions apply in designated areas such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Conservation Areas.
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Design:

The design of your structure, including its height, roof style, and materials, can influence whether permission is needed.

When Planning Permission is Required:

  • Exceeding Size Limits: If your proposed extension exceeds the permitted development size limits.
  • Listed Buildings: If your property is listed, planning permission is generally required for most extensions.
  • Designated Areas: In designated areas, stricter rules may apply, and planning permission may be required even for smaller extensions.

  • Other Factors: Even if your extension falls within permitted development size and location limits, planning permission may still be needed for:

    • Material Alterations: Changes to external materials that significantly affect the property’s appearance.
    • Roofline Modifications: Altering the existing roof structure.
    • Impact on Utilities or Drainage: Changes that affect existing services.
    • Commercial Use: Any commercial use of the extension.
    • Proximity to Protected Trees or Listed Building Interiors: work close to protected trees, or alterations to listed building interiors.
Replacement Tiled Roof Conservatory in Worcester

A big read - from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government...

Permitted development rights for householders, Technical Guidance. See the full Document within our Helpful Guides.

Important Notes:

  • This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with your local planning authority for specific advice on your project.
  • Permitted development rights can change. It’s essential to check for the most up-to-date information on your local council’s website.
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Find Your Local Planning Authority

For specific guidance on planning regulations in your area, please visit your local councils website  –

Telford and Wrekin

Wyre Forrest

Redditch

Worcester

Malvern Hills

Dudley

Coventry

Stratford upon Avon

Birmingham

Sandwell 

Solihull

Wychavon

Bromsgrove

Hereford

Wolverhampton

Gloucester

 

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Our expert team can provide guidance and help simplify the process, on planning regulations and help you determine if your project requires planning permission. We can also assist with the design and planning process to ensure your project meets all the necessary requirements.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or planning advice. Always consult with your local planning authority for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Looking for more help and advice on planning – simply get in touch online using our form below.

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