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How much can I build without planning permission?

Detached House Extension Rules 2023 Under permitted development for a detached house, you can extend up to 4m under permitted development, and up to 8m under the larger home extensions scheme / prior approval.

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We are going to summarise the key factors you need to think about when it comes to building an extension. If you are planning on building an extension, then you need to know the house extension rules 2023 are for building. However, don't let this detract you from choosing to build an extension. You just need to be aware of the house extension rules in place, so you can build the dream extension you have always wanted.

House Extension Rules 2023

When considering a home improvement project, it is important to choose an experienced architect to guide you through the house extension rules 2023 in order to provide you with the optimised layout and external design for your property, not just to increase space, but to implement innovative designs that can physically improve your day-to-day. Whilst there are many house extension rules to consider in 2023, they are not all that complex, but when combined together with areas of conservation, heritage, or other designated land such as metropolitan greenbelt, they can be a tricky scene to navigate. Welcome to Extension Architectures guide to House Extension Rules 2023. One of the main considerations to determine how far you can extend is what kind of property you own. For example, terraced or semi-detached house extension rules are considerably different from those of a detached property, and this generally will relate to the impacts any extension will have on your adjoining neighbours. Another important factor of house extension rules 2023 is whether you intend to apply for planning permission or enlarge your home using your permitted development rights. These are nationally set guidelines on what you can and cannot do without planning consent from your local council, and can be tricky to navigate if you are not accustomed to the permitted development rules UK. If you need help understanding how far you can extend or if you need planning permission for your house extension 2023, our specialist advisors are here to help!

Single-Storey Extension Rules

You can only cover half the area of land that is around the original house with an extension or any other type of build. This can also include a shed or outbuilding. The extension cannot be forward of the side elevation or side elevation fronting a highway. This means that if you want to build your extension out toward the main road, this would require planning permission. The materials used must be in line with the property’s current look, the obvious exception is a conservatory. If you have a property on, what is known as, designated land then you won’t be allowed exterior cladding. For a single-storey rear extension, you cannot go beyond the back wall of the original property by more than four metres.

The extension cannot exceed four metres in height.

Two-Storey Extension Rules

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If your house is more than one storey, then if you extend, you cannot go past the back wall of the house by over three metres. The maximum height of the extension’s eaves needs to be three metres if you are within two metres of the boundary.

The ridge and eaves height cannot be taller than the existing property.

The extension needs to be a minimum of seven metres away from the rear boundaries. The roof pitch needs to match or be as close to the existing property as possible.

You need planning permission for any raised platforms, verandas, or balconies.

The upper-floor windows in the roof slope or wall on the side elevation need to be obscure-glazed and can’t be opened. On any designated land, a two-storey extension is not covered by permitted development rights. The exterior of the extension must use similar-looking materials to those of the property.

Side extension rules

A single-storey side extension must not exceed four metres in height and cannot have a width of more than half of the original property.

Side extensions are not permitted on designated land.

Rear extension rules

A single-storey rear extension will not go beyond the rear wall of the original property by no more than four metres. A single-storey extension to the rear can be no more than four metres.

Terraced & Semi Detached House Extension Rules 2023

Under permitted development for a terrace or semi-detached home, you have the rights to extend by up to 3m without the need for planning permission! For this you will need to apply for a lawful development certificate, which can be done either before or after construction, however we recommend the prior as it is always good to be sure that what you are building falls under the category. This will be necessary if you intend to sell the property at a later date, within 4 years of the building work completing. There are specific rules to follow for permitted development projects, which is why it is always important to consult an experienced architect to ensure your projects success. If your property is within a conservation area, or if you are looking for a more unique extension with materials that differ from the original building, you will need to apply for planning permission for your extension. Terraced & Semi-detached house extension rules under a householder application differ from council to council, but as a general rule of thumb you should not infringe upon the 45 degree rules – a line drawn at a 45 degree angle from your neighbours closest inhabitable space, i.e. a kitchen, living space or bedroom, as to not infringe upon their outlook and access to light.

Detached House Extension Rules 2023

Under permitted development for a detached house, you can extend up to 4m under permitted development, and up to 8m under the larger home extensions scheme / prior approval. As above, many other factors need to be considered, therefore it is always good to speak with an experienced architect to ensure your proposal meets all of the house extension rules 2023.

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As above, if you live in a conservation area or other designated land, if your building is listed by heritage England, or if you are looking for a more unique extension, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local planning authority. For a detached house, house extension rules 2023 are much more lenient, especially if your property sits on a large plot with generous space between neighbouring properties. However, it is always important to check with an experienced architect, who will know exactly where to find the relevant council guidance to ensure that your project does not exceed the recommended allowances for detached house extension rules! Permitted Development / Prior ApprovalHouseholder/Full Planning PermissionPermitted Development / Prior ApprovalHouseholder/Full Planning Permission Permitted Development Rules 2023 – How far can you extend without planning permission UK These are what are known as permitted development allowances. They only apply to houses. Flats, other buildings and maisonettes are not included. It is important to check with a Local Planning Authority to see if the permitted development rights will apply to your extension. This is to make sure that there are no other constraints to think about. You may be wondering how far you can extend without planning permission 2023, and this will vary depending on the type of house you own. Permitted development changes came into place in 2020 as a result of the ongoing pandemic and many homeowners needing additional space to go about their daily routine. This would also boost the UK economy, by giving work to contractors and service companies throughout an otherwise challenging period of time. The changes implemented the larger home extension scheme, otherwise known as prior approval. This is a 28 day application to determine, via your neighbours non-objection, how far can you extend without planning permission. For example, for a terrace or semi-detached home, you can extend up to 6m as opposed to the original 3m, and for a detached property you can extend up to 8m as opposed to the original 4m. With this in mind, however, you must be careful as many factors contribute to your extension falling under PD, such as the height, ground level, raised platforms, the original, as-built property footprint and boundary wall placement. If you are unsure or need help understanding how far you can extend without planning permission in 2023, contact our specialist advisors today.

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