What am I allowed to build within Permitted Development?

In 2008, the rules governing the size of additions you can make to your property without going through Planning Process were modified significantly, making generating the additional space you desire far simpler.

Permitted Development: The Facts

• Permitted Development rights are not subjective
• You either have the right to build, or you don’t
• You can either add space or you can’t
• Neighbours do not have the right to object
• Planners cannot influence your project

In other words, Permitted Development is the planning permission you already have for your property.

In most cases you’ll discover that with Permitted Development Rights, you can now add that Loft Conversion, Garden Office or Home Extension without enduring the cost, time and hassle of going through the full Householder Planning Process*.

8 out of 10 of the projects we do qualify under Permitted Development Rights, allowing you to completely avoid the conventional planning procedures. They are completely legal, do not require any consultation with either your neighbours or local planners, and when checked you are issued with a Certificate of Lawful Development by the Council, and we do the rest.

We often find that you can do far more under the rules of Permitted Development than if you had gone down the lengthy route of full planning.  This could mean that your Outbuilding, Loft or Extension could be bigger than you had anticipated so as well as saving time and money, you can actually do more with your home than you thought.

Are there any restrictions?

In certain cases there are restrictions on properties Permitted Development Rights, for example with Listed Properties or homes situated within Conservation Areas or Designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  In all cases, we will explore your Permitted Development Rights, and the vast majority of our clients are surprised by just how much  freedom they actually have.

*Of course, if planning permission is needed, we have a wealth of experience dealing with the right planning contacts, and we’ll be best placed to get it for you.  Leave all the paperwork to us and we will do our utmost to get you permission as swiftly as possible.

For government guidance on householder permitted development, which allow improvement and extension of homes without the need for a planning application, click here