Major Projects Extension Rules Have Changed

Date Published:

16/09/2008

What you can add to your home without planning permission has changed - giving many home owners alot more freedom to make space-enhancing improvements. But what's allowed and what's not? Find out here .

By Lucy Searle

In an effort to help people who can't afford to move create more space in their current home, the government has relaxed planning regulations. So, what does Housing and Planning Minister, Caroline Flint, have to say?

'I am scrapping the red tape so it is much easier to convert the loft into that extra bedroom and build on an extension. The new rules will cut out planning permission for about 80,000 households a year and, crucially, saving as much as £1,000 in some cases - a real difference to already stretched family finances making home improvement an increasingly attractive option. Often people grow out of the family home, but now those who don't really want to move will find it easier to improve instead.'

The New Planning Rules

The new rules are designed to strike a balance between allowing homeowners to make improvements and limiting the size of extensions so neighbours are protected. In other words, large or intrusive extensions will still be governed by planning permission. Added to that, if you extend your home dramatically, you may also find that your council tax bill goes up.

What Do You Still Need Planning Permission For?

Terraced Houses
A single or two storey rear extension can go back a maximum of 3 metres from the original house. Loft conversions can be up to 20cms back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 40m3.

Semi-Detached Houses
A single or two storey rear extension can go back a maximum of 3m from original house. Loft conversions can be up to 20cms back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 50m3.

Detached Houses
A rear extension can either be a single storey extension going back 4m, or a two storey extension going back 3m from the original house. Loft conversions can be up to 20cms back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 50m3.

Check With Your Local Authority First

Bear in mind that local authorities have the power to introduce variations on these measurements by using Local Development Orders to allow bigger extensions or Article 4 Directions to restrict development, so it's advisable to check what's permitted and what's not before you start work.

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