If you plan to add an extension to your home to increase living space, whether the home addition is big or small one, then you would need to get some permission before you could get the work done. You need to consult with the local planning offices to see if your planned renovation requires home extensions planning permission, failure to do so would result in you being subjected to penalties and paying large fines.
The purpose of getting house extension planning permission is to safeguard the public interest in terms of home improvements. Permission requirements have grown stricter this past decade in response to the many house extensions that have become more of an eyesore than an improvement to the neighbourhood. And this permission system is to make sure that the neighbours and anyone else living near the extended house would not be inconvenienced by the end result and that the renovation would apply to regular standards of society.
House Extension Planning Permission Rules
Here are some of examples of house extensions and their planning rules for you to follow:
- Single story rear extension: the house addition should not be higher than 4 metres. If is an attached house, the extension should not pass the back wall more than 3 metres. If it is a detached house, 4 metres.
- Side extensions: for a one-story building, the extension must be at most 4 metres high and should not have a width that is more than half of the house.
- Porch extension: the porch must be built on the ground floor area where it would not exceed 3 square metres, and should not be higher than 3 metres. The porch should also not be within 2 metres of any boundary.
- Loft conversion: the conversion of the loft should not be more than 40 square metre for a terraced home or 50 square metres for a detached home, as well as not being higher the building’s roof.
- Basement conversion: if you plan to dig up parts of the pavement or road to make a light well, and if you plan to use the converted basement as a separate unit then you need get planning permission.
To get more details about the planning rules for house extensions, you just need to consult with your local planning office especially if you plan to make building work in a conservation or world heritage area. You might even need professional help from an architect, surveyor, or builder to check if your extension plans would be permitted to be put into work. You also might need to inform your neighbours about the house extension and see if they approve of the renovation, this way you won’t have any arguments if you have done so otherwise.
When your house extension planning permission has been approved, make sure that you get all the required documents to get the work started. You could either use a building notice or a full plans application from your local authorities, as well as pay the required fee before you start the renovation and extending of your house.
All of the companies we use as part of our network of Reputable, Trusted, Fully Vetted and Recommended Home Improvement and Building Companies will comply with any Building Regulations and can help organize any house extension planning permission required.
