Welcome to Planifly!
Let us show you around our powerful planning tools. This quick tour will help you get the most out of our platform.
Understanding Permitted Development Rights
Comprehensive guide to Permitted Development rights, what you can build without planning permission, and the limitations that apply.
Quick PD Rights Check
Standard House
Full PD rights usually apply
Flat/Maisonette
Limited PD rights
Listed Building
PD rights removed
What is Permitted Development
Permitted Development rights allow certain building works and changes to be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. These rights are granted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, as amended.
Benefits of PD Rights
- No planning application fees
- Faster project timelines
- No neighbour consultation period
- Reduced administrative burden
- Lower overall costs
Important Considerations
- Still need Building Regulations approval
- Multiple conditions must be met
- Rights can be removed by Article 4
- Size limits are cumulative
- May need LDC for mortgage/sale
Common PD Rights
Single Storey Rear Extension
- Maximum 4m deep for detached houses
- Maximum 3m deep for semi-detached/terraced
- Maximum eaves height of 3m
- Maximum overall height of 4m
- No more than 50% of land around original house
Two Storey Rear Extension
- Maximum 3m deep
- Within 7m of boundary cannot exceed original height
- Eaves no higher than existing
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
- Materials similar in appearance to existing
Loft Conversion
- Increase in height no more than 50cm
- No extension beyond plane of existing roof slope facing highway
- Materials similar in appearance
- Side-facing windows must be obscure glazed
- Roof terraces or balconies not permitted
Outbuildings
- Maximum height 4m with dual-pitched roof
- Maximum height 3m if within 2m of boundary
- Maximum eaves height 2.5m
- No more than 50% of land around original house
- Not used as separate accommodation
Limitations and Conditions
Universal Conditions
- Extensions cannot be nearer to a highway than the original house (unless 20m+ away)
- Cannot result in more than 50% of land around original house being covered
- Side extensions must be single storey with maximum 4m height
- Extensions over 1 storey must not extend beyond rear wall of original house
Measurement Rules
- Limits are based on the "original house" as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948
- Previous extensions count towards your allowance, even if built by previous owners
- Height measured from natural ground level to highest point
- Depth measured from rear wall of original house
What's NOT Permitted Development
The following always require planning permission, regardless of size:
- Any extension to a Listed Building
- Verandas, balconies or raised platforms
- Satellite dishes on chimneys or above the roofline
- Using outbuildings as separate dwellings
- Forward extensions or side extensions facing a highway
When PD Doesn't Apply
Property Types with Restricted Rights
No PD Rights:
- Listed Buildings
- Flats and maisonettes
- Buildings not used as dwellings
Restricted PD Rights:
- Properties in Conservation Areas
- National Parks and AONBs
- World Heritage Sites
Article 4 Directions
Local planning authorities can remove PD rights in specific areas through Article 4 Directions. These are commonly used in:
- Conservation Areas with special character
- Areas where PD rights would harm local amenity
- Historic housing estates
Check with your local planning authority to see if an Article 4 Direction affects your property.
Lawful Development Certificate
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) provides formal confirmation that your proposed works fall within Permitted Development rights. While not legally required, obtaining one provides valuable protection and peace of mind.
When to Get an LDC
- Your mortgage lender requires confirmation
- You're planning to sell the property soon
- The works are complex or at the limits
- You want legal protection from enforcement
- Previous extensions make allowances unclear
Application Process
- 1
Submit application with drawings
Including site plan and elevations
- 2
Pay the application fee
£120 (as of 2024)
- 3
Wait for decision
8 weeks typical timeframe
- 4
Receive certificate
Legally binding confirmation
Important to Remember
Even with Permitted Development rights, you still need Building Regulations approval for most construction work. This is a separate process that ensures your works meet safety and construction standards. Your builder or architect can help you navigate this requirement.