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. 5. Materials used in exterior work to be similar
in appearance to those of the exterior of
1. On designated land cladding of any part of the existing house. This condition does not
the exterior of a dwelling (and extensions) apply when the extension is a conservatory.
with stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, r
ender, timber, plastic or tiles is not 6. Width of side extension must not have a
permitted development. width greater than half the width of the
original house.
* Designated land includes national parks
and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding 7. Side extensions to be single storey with a
Natural Beauty, conservation areas and maximum height of four metres.
World Heritage Sites.
8. If extension is within two metres of a
2. Extensions (including previous extensions) boundary maximum eaves height should be
and other buildings must not exceed 50% no higher than three metres to be
of the total area of land around the original permitted development.
house.
9. Single-storey rear extension must not
The term ‘original house’ means the extend beyond the rear of the original
house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 house by more than three metres if an
July 1948 (if it was built before that date). attached house or by four metres if a
Although you may not have built an detached house.
extension to the house, a previous owner
may have done so. 10. Single storey rear extension must not
exceed a height of four metres.
* Sheds and other outbuildings must be
included when calculating the above 50% 11. Maximum eaves and ridge height of
limit. extension no higher than existing house.
3. Extensions forward of the principal
elevation or side elevation of a house and
fronting a highway are NOT permitted
development.
4. On designated land side extensions are not
permitted development.
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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)
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 5. Roof pitch of extensions higher than one
house. storey to match that of the existing house,
as far as is practicable.
The term ‘original house’ means the
house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 6. Materials used in exterior work to be similar
July 1948 (if it was built before that date). in appearance to those of the exterior of
Although you may not have built an the existing house.
extension to the house, a previous owner
may have done so. 7. Any upper-floor window in a wall or roof
slope in a side elevation must be obscure-
* Sheds and other outbuildings must be glazed and non-opening unless the parts
included when calculating the above 50% which can be opened are more than 1.7
limit. metres above the floor of the room in which
it is installed.
3. Maximum eaves and ridge height of
extension no higher than existing house. If 8. No balconies or verandas are permitted
extension is within two metres of a development.
boundary maximum eaves height should be
no higher than three 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.
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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 – Things to consider be-
fore you start’.
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: Conservatories
are normally exempt from building regulations
provided they meet a number of conditions.
For more information read Planning Portal
online guidance.
Installation, alteration or replacement of Definitions of terms used in this guide:
a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe: Read
guidance on the permitted development ‘Original house’ - The term ‘original house’
regime under Class G. means the house as it was first built or as it
stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that
DISCLAIMER: Users should note that this is date). Although you may not have built an ex-
an introductory guide and is not a definitive tension to the house, a previous owner may
source of legal information. Read the full have done so.
disclaimer.
‘Designated land’ - Designated land includes
national parks and the Broads, Areas of Out-
standing Natural Beauty, conservation areas
and World Heritage Sites.
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This guide is sponsored by: