Permitted Development is a series of laws and let-offs introduced in 2015. They allow homeowners a certain amount of freedom regarding home improvements and modifications. These could include extensions, outbuildings, loft conversions and so on.
When working on projects that fall under Permitted Development, you don’t need planning permission. However, depending on the task, you still need to complete certain steps and legal processes before you can get started.
We would always recommend consulting a planning agent or lawyer before starting your extension, conversion or addition. And if you’re still unsure, getting a Lawful Development Certificate is also well worth it – read on to find out what they are.
This page gives you a brief overview of Permitted Development and how it might affect you and your plans. Let’s dive in.
A brief overview of Permitted Development
In short, Permitted Development is a set of national regulations allowing homeowners and builders freedom from the traditional planning permission process under certain, strict circumstances.
Garden rooms, loft conversions, porches and other minor extensions can fall into the realm of Permitted Development, but they don’t always.
The laws, regulations and guides surrounding Permitted Development are constantly being updated and changed.
Take the time to look up the current regulations and criteria that make up Permitted Development. Some fundamental things are unlikely to change (which we’ll consider on this page), but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
There are two ways to make sure you’ve interpreted the law correctly, and we suggest looking into them both.
- Use a planning agent or consult a lawyer.
- Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC).
An LDC isn’t a replacement for planning permission. Rather, it’s an official investigation into whether your plans are legal under the current laws. If the certificate is granted, you can be reasonably sure you’re safe under Permitted Development.
A fee is involved, and it can take a few months to come through. The main difference between it and planning permission is that an LDC is based on legal, legislative understanding, whereas planning permission depends on the opinions and interpretations of council officers and neighbours.
Things could still go wrong with an LDC, but it’s unlikely. In the worst case, you’ll have a solid leg to stand on in any potential legal proceedings.
Permitted Development: key criteria
Here are some of the most important things to know about what qualifies a structure or conversion under Permitted Development. You can read the full summary from the UK Government here.
It’s hard to be specific regarding size, as the precise measurements you can work with vary depending on what you’re building or altering. However, know there is a restriction, and it’s worth checking against the regulations and the class of work you’re doing. For instance, in general, detached homes can extend up to eight metres. In comparison, up to six metres is the Permitted Development limit for semi-detached or terraced buildings. Outbuildings can take up only a certain percentage of your lot, and so on.
The following classes are described under Permitted Development at the time of writing:
- Class A – extensions, large renovations, replacement doors and windows or change-of-use
- Class B – roof expansions (such as loft conversions)
- Class C – minor roofing alterations like re-roofing or installing skylights
- Class D – external porches
- Class E – small, detached constructions on-premises, such as sheds, garages, decks or small animal housing
- Class F – ‘hard surfaces’ (driveways and extended patios)
- Class G – chimneys, flues, soil pipes and vent pipes
- Class H – satellite dishes
A separate set of classes applies to change-of-use buildings and situations.
Permitted Development: restrictions
As with anything, Permitted Development also comes with many restrictions.
- Flats and apartment buildings – unfortunately, Permitted Development rights don’t apply in flats or apartment buildings. This is because any changes to one abode could easily affect the adjoining residences (either to the sides or the upper or lower levels).
- Listed Buildings – Listed Buildings usually have various restrictions in place when it comes to modifications and changes. For instance, you may have to use the exact same type of brick or stone (not just the same colour). As a result, full planning permission is usually necessary.
- Location – you might be unable to use Permitted Development rights in certain places, such as designated Areas of Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas or National Parks. In Nottinghamshire, these are likely to be strictest in and around Sherwood Forest and the Welbeck Estate. The Peak District is just over the border, where similar restrictions also apply.
Permitted Development: conditions
Finally, certain conditions apply to Permitted Development, even if you’re allowed to exercise your rights to it. Here are a few examples.
- Neighbour consultation scheme – when installing a large extension under Permitted Development’s Class A, a neighbour consultation scheme is mandatory. This prevents eyesores and, more importantly, means your neighbours can’t build an extension and unreasonably look over into your garden or home.
- Notification – you might still need to notify the council of your work under Permitted Development (for example, under a Class A extension, as mentioned above).
How to learn more about Permitted Development
Permitted Development isn’t the simplest thing to wrap your head around. However, depending on your circumstances, it might be much more straightforward than planning permission.
Learning more about Permitted Development in your specific area is vital. We first suggest contacting your local council’s planning department. It might be terrifying, but it could save you money and time.
In our experience, the planning department often looks to help rather than hinder anyway. If you live in Nottinghamshire and want assistance with this step, Design Living Space could act as your agent.
How Design Living Space puts your mind at ease
This page has walked you through a basic overview of Permitted Development and how it might affect you. Use this as a springboard to do more of your own research, especially around home extensions. In many circumstances, you’ll be able to make changes to your house under Permitted Development – just don’t take it as a given without doing your due diligence.
Design Living Space has 15 years’ experience in the field. We aim to help you improve your home in a time- and cost-efficient manner. We’re excited to offer planning and structural drawings alongside project management and agency services if required.
For more information about what we offer and how we can assist you, give us a ring on 01623 827905 or email us at enquire@designlivingspace.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you and getting you moving on your journey.