If you are looking to build an extension on your property, you may be wondering what are the size requirements? Depending on where you live, there may be different restrictions and laws set in place. It’s important to know the rules regarding both planning permissions and permitted development before you begin building, to ensure your project runs smoothly.
Planning permissions can sometimes be a complex and time-consuming process. Luckily for you, if you work to build an extension that meets the criteria for permitted development, you can actually build your extension without needing any planning permission. If you’re unsure about any criteria, it’s always worth getting help from professionals. Here we will take a look at some of the permitted development rules for extensions so that you can determine what size of extension is possible for your home.
Will I Need Planning Permissions For An Extension?
Depending on the size of your extension you will not be required to obtain planning permissions. Without planning permission you can build up to six metres or eight if your home is detached. Yet there are some limits when extending your home without planning permissions, these include:
- You are not allowed to have balconies or raised platforms
- Side extensions cannot be wider than half the width of the original property
- The maximum height of a single-storey extension must be only four metres
- An extension may not be higher than the highest part of your roof
- No part of the extension should extend beyond any wall facing a road
- The shape of the roof must match the existing home
This is just a short list, as there are plenty more limits when extending your home without planning permissions. These should be carefully considered when working with your architect. Although, most of the limits shouldn’t affect your home extension project too much.
What Size Extension Can You Build Under Permitted Development?
When it comes to detached homes, you are permitted to build an extension without planning permission of up to six metres to the rear of the home and eight metres with neighbour permissions.
If you are building an extension on a semi-detached home without having planning permissions, your extension must be no higher than four metres in height and not any longer than three metres. Although, if you gain building permissions from any affected neighbours, you can build as far as six meters. However, these are required to be single-storey.
The multi-storey extensions have a bit more requirements, as they cannot extend past the rear of your home by more than three metres and are not allowed to be within seven metres of any boundary opposite to the rear wall of your home.
Remember that protected areas, flats and homes that had extensions added after 1948 do not have permitted development rights. Be sure to check with your local architect if you are eligible for permitted development rights before beginning any extension construction.
Working With An Architect
Whether you are looking to build an extension with or without development rights, it’s essential to consult a professional. If you need help finding the right architect for you. Speak with the team over at Happinest, they are experienced and professional architects skilled in various home extension projects. They can give you a good idea of what your project will require and can design a plan that will meet all regulations.
Thank you for reading our blog ‘What Size Extension Can You Build Under Permitted Development’. Get in touch with Happinest today for more information.
