Class A
The enlargement, improvement or
other alteration of a dwelling house.
Summary
Single-storey extension
An extension or addition to your house is
considered to be permitted development, not
requiring an application for planning permission,
provided certain limits and conditions are met.
1. On designated land cladding of any part of the
exterior of a dwelling (and extensions) with stone,
artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic
or tiles is not permitted development.
*Designated land includes national parks and the
Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
2. Extensions (including previous extensions) and
other buildings must not exceed 50% of the total
area of land around the original house.
The term ‘original house’ means the house as it
was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was
built before that date). Although you may not have
built an extension to the house, a previous owner
may have done so. 8. If extension is within two metres of a boundary
maximum eaves height should be no higher than
* Sheds and other outbuildings must be included
three metres to be permitted development.
when calculating the above 50% limit.
9. Single storey rear extension must not extend
3. Extensions forward of the principal elevation or
beyond the rear of the original house by more
side elevation of a house and fronting a highway
than 3m an attached house or by 4m if a detached
are NOT permitted development.
house.
4. On designated land side extensions are not
In addition, outside designated land and Sites of
permitted development.
Special Scientific Interest the limit is increased
On designated land and Sites of Special Scientific to 6m if an attached house and 8m if a detached
Interest the regime for larger single-storey rear house until 30 May 2019.
extensions (see point 9) which runs until 30 May
These increased limits (between 3m and 6m and
2019 does NOT apply.
between 4m and 8m respectively) are subject to the
5. Materials used in exterior work to be similar in neighbour consultation scheme.
appearance to those of the exterior of the existing
10. Single storey rear extension must not exceed a
house. This condition does not apply when the
height of four metres.
extension is a conservatory.
11. Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension
6. Width of side extension must not have a width
no higher than existing house.
greater than half the width of the original house.
7. Side extensions to be single storey with a
maximum height of four metres.
© Planning Portal 2016
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Class A
The enlargement, improvement or
other alteration of a dwelling house.
Summary
Two-storey rear extension
(Extensions of more than one storey)
An extension or addition to your house is
considered to be permitted development, not
requiring an application for planning permission,
provided certain limits and conditions are met.
1. On designated land extensions of more than
one storey are not permitted development.
* Designated land includes national parks and
the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
2. Extensions (including previous extensions) and
other buildings must not exceed 50% of the total
area of land around the original house.
The term ‘original house’ means the house as it
was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was
built before that date). Although you may not have
built an extension to the house, a previous owner
may have done so. 7. Any upper-floor window in a wall or roof slope in
* Sheds and other outbuildings must be included a side elevation must be obscure-glazed and non-
when calculating the above 50% limit. opening unless the parts which can be opened are
more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room
3. Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension in which it is installed.
no higher than existing house. If extension is
within two metres of a boundary maximum eaves 8. No balconies or verandas are permitted
height should be no higher than three development.
metres to be permitted development.
4. Extensions of more than one storey must not
extend beyond the rear wall of original house by
more than three metres or be within seven metres
of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the
house.
5. Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey
to match that of the existing house, as far as is
practicable.
6. Materials used in exterior work to be similar in
appearance to those of the exterior of the existing
house.
© Planning Portal 2016
This guide is sponsored by:
Class A
The enlargement, improvement or
other alteration of a dwelling house.
Important note
The permitted development allowances described
here apply to houses, not flats, maisonettes or
other buildings. You should check with your
Local Planning Authority whether permitted
development rights apply – they may have been
removed by what are known as Article 4 directions.
Other consents may be required if your house is
listed or in a designated area.
When planning work you should read all the advice
on the Planning Portal under ‘Your responsibilities
– Other considerations before you start work’.
As well as other important information you will
find guidance here on the permitted development
regime.
Wales
This guidance relates to the planning regime for
England. Policy in Wales may differ. Contact your
local planning authority for further information.
Building Regulations
Most extensions of properties require approval
under the Building Regulations. For more
information read Planning Portal online guidance.
Installation, alteration or replacement
of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe
Read guidance on the permitted development Definitions of terms used in this guide:
regime under Class G.
‘Original house’ - The term ‘original house’ means
Disclaimer the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July
1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you
Users should note that this is an introductory may not have built an extension to the house, a
guide and is not a definitive source of legal previous owner may have done so.
information. Read the full disclaimer.
‘Designated land’ - Designated land includes
national parks and the Broads, Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas
and World Heritage Sites.
© Planning Portal 2016
This guide is sponsored by: