As I am based in England the following general householder guidance applies to permitted development rights in England.
If your permitted development project is not related to a domestic property do contact me to discuss.
Householder Permitted Development
Permitted development rights allow homeowners to undertake alterations and additions to their homes without need to apply for planning permission. These rights, however, are subject to conditions and limitations — for example limits on height, width, proximity to the boundary or location, etc. These conditions and limitations should be understood before starting any project and — even if a project is permitted development — the project is likely to require building regulations approval and may need to comply with the Party Wall Act.
Most houses are able to benefit in some way from permitted development unless permitted development rights have been restricted or removed by the local planning authority. Properties may be subject to an Article 4 direction or have had Permitted Development rights removed as a condition from a previous planning consent.
Houses in Conservation Areas, The Broads, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage sites or those that are Listed Buildings can benefit from Permitted Development but will have more restrictions. Permitted development or not, a listed building will require Listed Building Consent.
Permitted Development does not apply to houses created through permitted development conversions from another building type or to houses that are flats.
Neighbour Consultation Scheme
If the project is a larger single-storey rear extension the homeowner will need to notify the Local Planning Authority to allow them to consult with adjoining neighbours to assess the project’s potential impact on the amenity of the neighbouring properties.
Typical Projects
Typical householder projects that could be undertaken within permitted development rights:
Extensions – porches, single storey rear or side extensions, two-storey rear extensions but not a two-storey side extension.
Roof Additions – loft conversions, rear dormers, hip-to-gable extensions, installation of rooflights.
Development within the property’s curtilage – a garage, shed, greenhouse, decking, a swimming pool, containers for oil or LPG.
Permitted development rights also allow for projects such as the creation hard surfaces like driveways and patios, changes to chimneys, flues and other external pipework, or projects relating to the property’s boundaries — fences, walls, and gates. Other projects such as exterior painting, installing CCTV, and solar panels are also covered
Lawful Development Certificates
You are not required to obtain permission from the Local Planning Authority if a householder project complies with Permitted Development — unless it’s a larger single-storey rear extension, in which case the Neighbour Consultation Scheme applies.
However, if your project falls under Permitted Development, applying for a Lawful Development Certificate from the Local Planning Authority is strongly recommended. This certificate provides legal certainty and can prevent potential issues — for example if you decided to sell the property at a later date.
Permitted Development Information
A technical guidance document on householder permitted development is available from the government and useful advice is available at the Planning Portal which has interactive visual tools for common projects.
Permitted Development technical document – Government webpage
When is permission required? – Government webpage
Planning guidance at the Planning Portal
Disclaimer
Please note that the information above is intended as a general guide and does not constitute legal advice in respect of Permitted Development or wider planning legislation. You are advised to consult with the Local Planning Authority or a professional specialising in planning matters.
If you have any questions or if you would like know how I could help, do get in touch: