Many extensions in England don't need a full planning application because houses have permitted development rights. Whether yours does depends on the type of home, the size of the extension and where you live.
Single-storey Rear Extensions
- Up to 3 m deep (semi-detached or terraced) or 4 m (detached) is usually permitted development.
- Up to 6 m / 8 m is possible through the larger home extension prior approval route. Neighbours are notified and the council decides within 42 days. This route isn't available in conservation areas.
- Maximum 4 m high, and eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary.
Two-storey and Side Extensions
- Two-storey rear: up to 3 m deep, and at least 7 m from the rear boundary.
- Side: single storey only, no more than 4 m high and no wider than half the original house.
- Neither is permitted development in a conservation area.
When You Always Need Planning
- Flats and maisonettes, which have no householder permitted development rights
- Listed buildings, which also need listed building consent
- Where rights are removed by an Article 4 direction or a planning condition. This is very common on estates built in the last 15–20 years.
Even If It's Permitted Development…
Get a Lawful Development Certificate. It proves the extension was lawful, which your buyer's solicitor will ask about when you sell. Building Regulations approval is needed either way.
If You Live in Birmingham or Solihull
- Birmingham conservation areas: the city has about 30. The council lists householder Article 4 controls in Austin Village, Bournville Village, part of Edgbaston, Greenfield Road, High Street Sutton Coldfield, Moor Pool in Harborne, Moseley, Old Yardley, Selly Park, Selly Park Avenues and St Agnes. Even minor work, such as a porch, replacement windows or re-roofing, can need permission there.
- Birmingham's city-wide Article 4 direction: this is about converting houses to small HMOs. It doesn't by itself remove your rights to extend a family home.
- Solihull conservation areas: the borough has 20, including Knowle, Solihull and White House Way. Some have Article 4 directions, so check your exact address with the council.
- Newer estates: check your own planning permission for conditions removing permitted development rights, wherever you live.
These lists can change, so confirm them with the council for your address.
Try our free feasibility check, or get planning drawings from £650.
A general guide to the rules for houses in England. Your own case depends on your property's planning history. We check it as part of every quote.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Permitted development rights for householders, technical guidance
- Planning Portal: extensions
- Birmingham City Council: Article 4 directions in conservation areas
- Birmingham City Council: conservation areas
- Birmingham City Council: city-wide Article 4 direction (HMOs)
- Solihull Council: conservation areas