As a homeowner, you are allowed to carry out certain types of work on your house without the need for planning permission. These are called ‘permitted development rights.’
Building work completed within permitted development will need to meet the specific criteria and standards. This can place limitations on the maximum size of the extension and conversions you may have planned.
The limitations are quite generous and there is a lot you can do to improve your living space without the need to go through planning permission application processes.
There are many things that can be done under permitted development and do not require planning permission. However this is only providing they meet all of the necessary planning criteria and there are no hidden constraints that limit or remove permitted development rights.
It is very important to note that every project type has different planning and design criteria that must be met in order to be considered permitted development. In addition to this, there can be hidden constraints which remove your permitted development rights.
This literally means there could be two houses in the same town both doing exactly the same development, such as a 3-meter extension for example. One could be permitted development, while the other needs planning permission, even though they both meet the criteria for permitted development.
If you would like to find out whether your project could be permitted development, contact us for a free no-obligation consultation.
Each project type is subject to certain standards and criteria, including limitations on the size of the building work and renovation. Luckily, these limits are quite generous for home improvement projects. However, it is important to understand that these rights vary depending on the type of property and its location.
In order to qualify, the proposed work must adhere to specified limits and conditions, as outlined in the technical guidance provided by parliament and the planning system.
These requirements include complying with limits and conditions set by the local planning authority, such as not exceeding height and volume restrictions, maintaining a reasonable distance from neighbouring properties, using materials that match the existing building, and avoiding significant alterations to the property's appearance, particularly if it is located in a conservation area or is listed.
Normally, a change of use will require planning permission; however, if the change is within the same use class it may not require planning permission, making changes of use a valuable tool for property owners.
It is essential to consult with your local planning authority or a qualified town planner to ensure compliance with permitted development rules and prevent any issues with paperwork, retrospective planning, or enforcement action.
Planning By Design has a team of planning consultants that can aid with the smooth running of your project and guide you on your permitted development plans.
If prior approval is required, it is illegal to start until the local planning authority approves a prior approval planning application, ensuring there is no negative impact on your immediate neighbours.
If you start work without planning approval you risk receiving a planning enforcement notice, if a neighbour reports you or the council notice your single-storey development.
In the event that the allowance has been used up by previous developments, even if a project satisfies the criteria for Permitted Development, planning permission will be required.
It should also be noted that there may be hidden planning constraints in place that could remove or restrict permitted development rights at a particular site. Examples of such constraints include Article 4 directions, conservation areas, areas designated as outstanding natural beauty, listed buildings, and even residing under a flight path.
The decision to approve or reject the application lies with the local planning authority. It is important to note that permitted development rights can be revoked at any time. Therefore, even if the development is deemed permissible upon completion, changes in planning policies could result in retrospective planning issues or enforcement action if there is no legal confirmation that the development was lawful and did not require planning permission.
To safeguard against this, obtaining a lawful development certificate or prior approval is essential. Additionally, a lawful development certificate is typically required when selling or remortgaging a property, as it provides confirmation of the development's legality and protects against potential issues or enforcement action. This is especially important in regard to protecting personal information and the value of the property.
We have also partnered with a number of businesses that can support you through the planning application process and provide additional services where needed. Take a look at our range of partners to find out more about what they do.
If you would like to find out whether your project is permitted development or requires planning permission, we can provide you with pre-planning advice starting with a free no obligation chat to discuss your project.
Contact us now for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your project.
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