Do You Need Planning Permission for Your Extension?
Most home extensions in London & Surrey fall under Permitted Development (PD) rights, meaning planning permission isn’t required—if your project meets certain criteria. However, restrictions apply, especially in:
- Conservation Areas
- Listed Buildings
- Designated Land (e.g., AONBs, Green Belt)
This guide explains key rules for house extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions.
Permitted Development Rules (2024)
1. Single-Storey Rear Extensions
✅ Allowed without planning permission if:
- Depth: Max 4m (terraced/semi-detached) or 8m (detached)
- Height: Max 4m (or 3m if within 2m of a boundary)
- Materials: Must match existing house
- Coverage: No more than 50% of garden space
🚫 Planning permission needed if:
- Property is listed or in a conservation area
- Extension exceeds PD limits
2. Two-Storey Extensions
✅ Permitted Development (with stricter rules):
- Depth: Max 3m from original rear wall
- Roof pitch: Must match existing house
- No balconies/verandas allowed under PD
🚫 Always requires planning permission if:
- Extension is closer than 7m to rear boundary
- In a conservation area or Green Belt
3. Loft Conversions
✅ Usually allowed under PD if:
- Volume increase: ≤ 40m³ (terraced) or 50m³ (detached/semi-detached)
- No extension beyond roof plane
- Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed
🚫 Planning permission needed if:
- Adding dormers facing a highway
- Property is listed
4. Garage Conversions
✅ Generally allowed under PD if:
- No external structural changes
- Conversion is for residential use only
🚫 Permission required if:
- Garage is in a conservation area
- Converting to a separate dwelling
How to Check if You Need Planning Permission
- Consult your Local Authority – Most councils offer free pre-application advice
- Review Permitted Development rules – Gov.uk PD Rights Guide
- Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) – Not mandatory, but proves your project is legal
When You Definitely Need Planning Permission
- Listed buildings (any external/internal changes)
- Flats & maisonettes (no PD rights)
- Extensions exceeding PD limits
- Green Belt or Conservation Areas
Avoiding Common Refusals
❌ Overdevelopment – Extensions too large for the plot
❌ Loss of neighbour privacy – Overlooking issues
❌ Design mismatch – Poor architectural integration
Tip: A professional architect or planning consultant can help design an approval-friendly extension.
Next Steps
📌 Check PD limits → Gov.uk Planning Portal
📌 Apply for an LDC → Protects future property sales
📌 Consult your council → Pre-application advice
#PlanningPermission #HomeExtensions #LondonBuilders #SurreyExtensions
Need Help? Our team handles planning applications & building regs—contact us for a free consultation.
Explore More:
[House Extension Costs] | [Loft Conversion Guide] | [Permitted Development FAQ]
New chat
