Do I Need Planning Permission for a House Extension?

If you're thinking about extending your home, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is: “Do I need planning permission?”

The slightly frustrating answer is… it depends.

Some home extensions can be built under Permitted Development Rights, which means you may not need to make a full planning application. Others will need approval from your local planning authority before work can begin.

It can sound complicated, but it doesn't need to be. Here's a straightforward guide to help you understand where you stand.

What is Permitted Development?

Permitted Development allows homeowners to make certain changes to their property without applying for full planning permission.

Depending on your property and what you're proposing, this can include things such as:

• Single-storey rear extensions

• Some side extensions

• Loft conversions

• Certain alterations to windows and doors

• Porches and some outbuildings

However, there are rules around things like height, size, position and how much of the original property is being extended.

Your property itself matters too.

If you live in a listed building, conservation area or other designated area, for example, different restrictions may apply.

And this is where getting advice early can save a lot of headaches later.

When Will I Need Planning Permission?

You may need to make a planning application if your proposed extension falls outside the limits of Permitted Development.

This could be because of its:

Size – larger extensions may require planning permission.

Height – particularly where an extension could affect neighbouring properties.

Position – side and front extensions can have different requirements from rear extensions.

Design – the appearance of an extension and how it relates to the existing property can influence planning decisions.

Location – additional restrictions can apply in conservation areas and other protected locations.

Every property and project is different, so we'd always recommend checking before assuming your extension is covered by Permitted Development.

What About My Neighbours?

This is another common concern.

Planning departments can consider how a proposed development may affect neighbouring properties, including issues such as privacy, overlooking, daylight and the overall scale of the extension.

That doesn't mean having neighbours automatically makes getting permission difficult!

Good design can make an enormous difference.

Thinking about these things before drawings are submitted can help avoid unnecessary objections or changes later.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations Aren't the Same Thing

This catches a lot of homeowners out.

Getting planning permission doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to start building.

Planning is largely concerned with whether the development is acceptable.

Building Regulations deal with how the building is actually constructed, including areas such as structural safety, insulation, ventilation and fire safety.

Depending on your project, you may therefore need both planning approval and Building Regulations approval.

We'll cover this properly in another guide because it's an important subject in its own right.

What Should I Do Before Designing My House Extension?

Before getting carried away choosing kitchens and imagining the new bi-fold doors, it's worth understanding what is realistically achievable.

• We normally recommend considering:

• What do you actually need from the additional space?

• A bigger kitchen? Another bedroom? Better connection to the garden? Somewhere for the children to disappear to?!

• Then look at the property, your budget and any potential planning constraints together.

Sometimes the best solution isn't necessarily the biggest extension. Good architectural design is about making the existing house work better too.

Can Studio Sett Help With Planning?

Absolutely.

Studio Sett brings architectural design and planning advice together, which means we can look at both what you'd love to achieve and what is realistically possible from the beginning.

Our team can help with the design of your extension, while our in-house planning expertise helps identify potential planning considerations early in the process.

And we'll explain it all in normal language.

No unnecessarily complicated architectural terminology.

No expecting you to already understand the planning system.

Most people only undertake a major home project a handful of times in their life – sometimes only once.

You're not supposed to know all of this. That's what we're here for.

Thinking About Extending Your Home?

Whether you've already got a head full of ideas or you're right at the “could we do something with this house?” stage, we're happy to talk it through.

Studio Sett works with homeowners across Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and the surrounding areas, helping people understand what's possible and get more from the homes they already have.

Have a chat with the Studio Sett team and we'll help you work out where to start.

Contact Us