There are many rules and regulations governing the size and design of extensions. Some may require full planning permission while others are governed by building regulation. Regardless, there is a limit on how far you can go with your home extension project without triggering planning legislation.
The good news is that you are not obliged to seek planning permission for a single-storey domestic extension if it is less than six metres long. On the other hand, if you’re looking to extend a two-storey house, the limits are more stringent. To start with, the extension should be no more than three metres deep from the rear wall of the original house. It should also not extend more than seven metres from the rear boundary. Depending on your location, these restrictions could be waived.
It is important to note that while these regulations are in place, you’ll still need to get approval from your local council if you want to build a larger home extension. This is because some two-storey extensions are not included in the permitted development rules. You may also need to pay the Community Infrastructure Levy if your project exceeds 100 square metres.
You’ll also need to get your head around the fact that permitted development rules only apply to houses. So if you’re trying to do the same for a flat or a listed property, you’ll be out of luck.
The size of your new home extension will also have an effect on your neighbours. Unless you’re in a conservation area, you’ll have to be aware that you won’t be able to build an extension that exceeds the width of your original structure. You may be able to build an extension that is more than half the width of the original house if it’s in a town.
In addition, there are some special rules governing the use of sideways extensions. These are not allowed in conservation areas but they are generally used in towns. In order to be able to do this, the materials you use must be in keeping with the rest of the building. A side return is one of these, but it must be no more than four metres in length.
While you don’t have to seek planning permission to construct a side return extension, you should keep the following rules in mind: It must be a one-storey extension, it must be attached to the existing structure, it must not front onto the road and it must be visible from the side and rear. In addition, it must be a sensible and well-thought-out move.
To put the best possible spin on the’smaller’ home extension, the government has proposed an ‘affordable’ scheme which will allow homeowners to add two extra floors to their homes without the need for planning permission. This should help ease the housing crisis, as it will encourage more people to buy homes and make them more affordable.
There are plenty of other things you can do with your home that do not require the requisite planning permission. These include replacing flues, vent pipes, and soil. While you’re at it, make sure you check if your neighbours are OK with your plans.
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