Permitted Development

Your Guide to Permitted Development Rights

The scope of PD rights covers various types of development, including home extensions, outbuildings, and changes of use. Below are some common types of changes allowed under PD.

1. Home Extensions and Alterations

Single-Storey Rear Extensions – You can extend up to 8 metres for detached houses and 6 metres for other houses without planning permission (subject to the neighbour consultation scheme).
Loft Conversions – Permitted if they do not exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached homes. The conversion must not extend beyond the existing roof slope facing the highway.
Two-Storey Extensions – These are allowed in some cases but must not extend beyond 3 metres from the original house and should be within 7 metres of the rear boundary.

2. Outbuildings

You can build sheds, garages, garden offices, and other outbuildings within your property’s boundaries without planning permission if:
- The building is single-storey and does not exceed 4 metres in height (dual-pitched roof) or 2.5 metres (if within 2 metres of a boundary).
- It does not take up more than 50% of the original garden space.

Please contact us for more information and a free appraisal at sales@countryhousehomes.co.uk or call now on 01622 739 006

Easy steps to achieving planning permission

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Step one

Simply provide us with your intended use and aspirations for the additional space you need. We will give you advice on whether you need planning permission or if this can be achieved under your Permitted Development Rights.

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Step two

We will provide with a detailed breakdown of costs for the design, drawing and planning work along with a completion timeline..

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Step three

You will then receive design ideas that fit your brief along with external and internal elevations of the finished building. These can be produced in 3D to help you appreciate how this will look and internal layout with furniture in place.

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Step four

Once you're happy with the design solution, we will produce the final planning documents and submit to your local planning authority. Your dedicated account manager will monitor the application through to permission being granted, answering any questions posed by the authority during the live application period. Post planning, we can then help you appoint an appropriate builder including producing your building regulations drawings to ensure the final build complies to the latest regulations.

Other types of Permitted Development Rights

3. Changes of Use

PD rights allow for the conversion of certain buildings into different uses without full planning permission. Examples include:

Office to Residential (Class MA) – Offices can be converted into homes under PD rights, subject to prior approval from the local authority.
Retail to Residential (Class G & Class M) – Small retail units and shops can be converted into homes.
Agricultural Buildings to Residential (Class Q) – Permits the conversion of barns and other agricultural buildings into dwellings.

4. Temporary Uses and Structures

You can use land or buildings for temporary commercial, recreational, or event purposes for a limited time without needing planning permission. Construction of temporary structures may be permitted, but they often have time restrictions.

5. Renewable Energy Installations

Homeowners can install solar panels on roofs without planning permission if they do not protrude more than 20cmbeyond the roof slope.
Wind turbines and air source heat pumps also fall under PD rights but have strict height and noise restrictions.

Please contact us for more information and a free appraisal on the potential of your home at sales@countryhousehomes.co.uk or call now on 01622 739 006.

Important Limitations of Permitted Development Rights

While PD rights offer flexibility, they are not unlimited. Consider these key restrictions:

1. Protected Areas

If your property is in a conservation area, national park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or World Heritage Site, PD rights may be more restricted. You may need additional permissions for developments that would normally be allowed elsewhere.

2. Article 4 Directions

Local authorities can impose Article 4 Directions to remove specific PD rights in certain areas, meaning planning permission will be required for developments that would usually be permitted. These are common in areas with historic or architectural significance.

3. Prior Approval Requirements

Some PD rights require prior approval from the local council before work begins. This is usually necessary for:

Conversions of offices or shops into residential properties
Large home extensions under the neighbour consultation scheme
Developments that may impact flooding, highways, or noise levels

4. Building Regulations Still Apply

Even if your project falls under PD rights, it must still comply with building regulations, which ensure that construction meets safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility standards.

Useful Links

For more detailed guidance on PD rights, check out these official resources:

Legislation: Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015
Government Guidance: Permitted Development Rights for Householders – Technical Guide
Planning Portal: Planning Portal PD Rights Guide

Final Advice

Permitted Development rights can be a great way to extend or modify your property without the hassle of full planning permission. However, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before starting any project to ensure you comply with regulations and any local restrictions.

If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies under PD rights, consider consulting a planning consultant or architect for professional advice.

Please contact us for more information and a free appraisal at sales@countryhousehomes.co.uk or call now on 01622 739 006

Common questions

How do i know if my alterations would be covered under my PD Rights?

The rules to Permitted Development (PD) are based on National Policies which means the same framework of rules apply across the country. We will work with you to assess whether the scale and position of the changes will comply with policy or whether may need planning permission.

The location of your home may also determine what is possible as the impact on the landscape in sensitive locations significantly reduces what may be possible under PD.

What if I don't have PD rights on my home?

You may not be able to use PD rights to carry out your changes either based on the scale of your changes or if your PD rights had been removed when your home was originally granted planning. In these instances you will need to make a full application to the Local Council. This isn’t uncommon and should not present any issues as long as the new design complies with planning policy for your location.

How long does planning take?

We advise to allow between 6 and 8 weeks to complete the design, drawing and submission of your application however this can be as little as 3 weeks if your plans fall under Permitted Development.