Do I Need Planning Permission For A Home Extension In The Midlands?

It’s anybody’s guess how much of an impact Brexit will have on the housing market but some experts believe that our exit from the European Union will hit it hard.

Until the picture becomes a little clearer it may encourage some local householders that previously had their eyes on moving house to put off such plans for the moment, and in the meanwhile, improve their current residence. This could encompass extending their property; a smart move in almost any situation.

If you fall into this category of homeowners, have you considered the possibility that you may need to obtain planning permission from your local planning department in the Midlands in order to lawfully have a conservatory or orangery constructed at home?

It all depends on whether the extension is considered to be a permitted development (a permitted development DOES NOT require planning permission).

The following limits and conditions must be met for an extension to enjoy permitted development status:

• No more than half the area of land around the “original house”* would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Single-storey rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres if an attached house or by four metres if a detached house.
• In addition, outside Article 2(3) designated land* and Sites of Special Scientific Interest the limit is increased to 6m if an attached house and 8m if a detached house until 30 May 2019.
• These increased limits (between 3m and 6m and between 4m and 8m respectively) are subject to the prior notification of the proposal to the Local Planning Authority and the implementation of a neighbour consultation scheme. If objections are received, the proposal might not be allowed.
• Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
• Extensions of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house* by more than three metres.
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to rear boundary.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
• No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
• Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
• On designated land* no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey.
• On designated land no cladding of the exterior.
• On designated land no side extensions.

* 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.

* Designated land includes conservation areas, national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites.

When any of the above limits and conditions are not met you will need to submit a planning application to your local authority. This can be done via the Planning Portal website.

More 5 Star advice on planning permission can be found in our Helpful Guide on the subject, FREE to download here.