What are permitted development rights?

Posted by Vita Architecture Ltd on 26th July 2019 -

So back in 2013, the coalition government expanded permitted development rights which were aimed at reducing the red tape involved in the planning process and thereby encouraging building development and house building including office conversions and extensions.

In May 2019, the rules for increased sizes of single storey rear extensions were made permanent.

To carry out works under permitted development there are strict criteria which needs to be met. Whenever we come across a scheme that can potentially be considered under permitted development we encourage consultation with the local authority and getting a certificate of lawfulness which will rubber stamp your proposals – a useful tool when selling your property to swerve any legal headaches that may arise.

So what does it mean for you?
It depends on what you want…

For Extensions

1.  For detached properties, you’re able to extend by 8m on a detached house at single storey or by 3m if it’s double storey.
2.  For semi detached, your able to extend to the rear by 6m at single storey.
3.  The heights of your extension at single storey will be a maximum of 4m at the ridge and 2.5m at the eaves.
4.  Double storey extensions must not be within 7m of the rear boundary.
5.  Materials must be the same or similar as the existing building.
6.  No extension can be build forward of the original building line.
7.  An extension cannot be more than half of the garden being covered.

For Outbuildings

1.  Your outbuilding cannot exceed more than 50% of the garden.
2.  Must be single storey and not exceed 4m in ridge height or 2.5m eaves height.
3.  If the building is closer than 2m to the boundary, then you cannot exceed the maximum height of 2.5m.
4.  You cannot build forward from the line of the original house.

For Conversions

Included within the Permitted Development order, existing buildings such as offices, barns and other agricultural buildings can be converted into residential.

Please note that there are many restrictions (e.g. listed building and areas of special designation) to the permitted development order and you will need to check with your architect and/or local authority to ensure your scheme can be considered under the order.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/made

We’ve a number of schemes currently going through the permitted development route, contact us today to find out more.